LOS ANGELES — England take on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the World Cup today looking for a place in the last 16 while co-hosts the USA prepare for the biggest match in their football history.

Two European powerhouses have already been ejected from the tournament after Germany and the Netherlands were beaten on penalties in the last 32 by Paraguay and Morocco respectively — and England do not want to be next.

The Three Lions are aiming to end a 60-year wait to collect a major trophy, but coach Thomas Tuchel warned his players they are facing a team in Atlanta with nothing to lose.

“I feel it is a privilege to be in these situations. I think we can just accept it, we are the favourites (against DR Congo),” Tuchel told reporters yesterday.

The German cautioned though that “the games so far in round of 32 speak a very clear language. It’s narrow, narrow margins.”

England will rely on their world-class duo of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane although influential defender Reece James misses the game through injury.

DR Congo have scoured the footballing world for players with links to the vast African nation.

Of the 26-man squad, 20 were born outside of Congo — the majority in France, including forward Yoane Wissa, who is well-known to his English opponents from the Premier League.

Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was born in London and played for England to under-21 level and Axel Tuanzebe also represented England youth teams.

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre stressed the onus would be on England, not his side who many pundits did not expect to emerge from their group.

“Our World Cup is already a success relative to our goals,” the Frenchman said yesterday. “The pressure is on the England team.”