- Wan-Bissaka picks DR Congo over England.
- Debut set for June 2025 friendlies.
- Leopards boost defence with EPL star.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has officially switched international allegiance from England to the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a pivotal moment in his football journey.
Now playing for West Ham United, the former Manchester United right-back has been called up to the DR Congo senior national team for the first time—ushering in a new chapter with the Leopards.
Wan-Bissaka will join the squad for two international friendlies against Mali and Madagascar in early June 2025.
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The matches, scheduled to take place at Stade de la Source in Orléans, France, are part of DR Congo’s broader preparations for upcoming tournaments under manager Sébastien Desabre.
A Strategic Move After England Stalemate
Wan-Bissaka had long been considered one of England’s most promising defensive prospects.
He featured regularly for the national youth teams, including the U20 and U21 levels.
Yet, despite years of consistent performances at club level, he never quite broke into the senior Three Lions setup.
Rather than wait indefinitely, Wan-Bissaka has embraced his Congolese roots—a decision driven by both personal pride and professional ambition.
His switch brings much-needed depth to DR Congo’s right flank and signals a broader strategy by Desabre to strengthen the squad with elite European talent.
DR Congo’s 27-Man Squad for June Friendlies
The upcoming friendlies against Mali (June 5) and Madagascar (June 8) will be played in France, offering the team a neutral ground for tactical fine-tuning and team cohesion.
Wan-Bissaka’s inclusion in the 27-man squad reflects Desabre’s intent to build a formidable unit heading into more competitive fixtures.
Notable Defenders in the Lineup
Wan-Bissaka joins an experienced backline that includes:
Arthur Masuaku (Beşiktaş)
Axel Tuanzebe (Ipswich Town)
Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille)
Joris Kayembe (Genk)
This mix of Premier League and European club experience promises a reliable and dynamic defensive setup.
European-Based Stars Headline the Squad
The Leopards’ squad reflects a growing trend among African national teams—tapping into the talent pool of Europe-based players.
Also Read: Porto to Fire DR Congo Player For Having Four Different Birth Dates
For Desabre, it is a calculated approach that enhances both the quality and international credibility of the team.
Offensive Firepower
In attack, DR Congo boasts several notable names, including:
Yoane Wissa (Brentford)
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis)
Charles Pickel (Cremonese)
These players bring top-flight experience and technical prowess, creating a balanced side capable of threatening any opponent.
A Major Win for DR Congo—and for Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka’s DR Congo switch is not just a win for the player, it is also it is a significant gain for the national team.
The 26-year-old defender is renowned for his tackling precision, positional awareness, and calmness under pressure; qualities that DR Congo will greatly benefit from.
Manager Sébastien Desabre’s commitment to blending homegrown talent with internationally seasoned players is already bearing fruit.
This squad, rich in experience and potential, reflects a deliberate and strategic evolution of the Congolese national team.
Road to Competitions: What Lies Ahead
The June fixtures are more than just friendlies; they are litmus tests.
Desabre will use them to assess player chemistry, test formations, and fine-tune strategies ahead of World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.
Wan-Bissaka is expected to play a key role in this tactical overhaul, especially given his experience in the English Premier League.
For fans and pundits alike, these matches offer a glimpse into the future of DR Congo football—a future where talents like Wan-Bissaka are central to the nation’s ambition on the continental and global stage.
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