Yoane Wissa relishing challenge of facing England in World Cup knockout stage

England will face DR Congo in the World Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday evening at 5pm.

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa is likely to line up as DR Congo's main striker in the game and could find himself coming up against teammate Dan Burn if Thomas Tuchel opts to give him his World Cup bow.

Whoever is playing at the back for England is going to have a difficult job to do as Wissa is in fine form at this tournament with three goals to his name already.

It's a far cry from his form last season at Newcastle, but the 29-year-old is very aware of this and has told reporters that he's glad he's now able to prove that he's still got what it takes.

Yoane Wissa is in excellent spirits

Wissa also told The Independent that he is looking forward to facing England on Wednesday and branded the Three Lions as one of the best teams in the world.

"England is going to be a different game, a tough, tough, tough game against top players and top opponent. We need to enjoy this kind of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.

Wissa was asked about the injury that kept him out of action for so long when he joined Newcastle.

"That’s why I’m even prouder than everyone else in this room because it’s been tough. It’s been a tough injury.

“You know when you want to come back earlier, catch the train, it’s not a good thing to do. I didn’t show my best face at Newcastle but I knew that my time will come and this time is now.

“I just show everyone now I’m in a good place, I’m good physically, I’m good mentally, so that’s why I’m proud to show that I’m a good player (against Uzbekistan). I know how to play football and especially when I’m good physically my head is calm, and the rest follows."

Wissa has a lot of positivity to bring home with him

Regardless of what happens on Wednesday, we hope that Wissa can keep that positive mental attitude and bring it back to Tyneside with him.

Scoring his country's first-ever goal at a World Cup finals and then adding two more are both huge achievements, and that should do his confidence the world of good.

We're really starting to believe we could see a much different Yoane Wissa next season.