World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel explains England team news as Bukayo Saka plan revealed before DR Congo clash | OneFootball

Tuchel has made three changes for the World Cup showdown in Atlanta

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Bukayo Saka will finish England’s World Cup round of 32 clash after naming the winger on the bench against DR Congo.

Declan Rice is back from a rest to replace Morgan Rogers in midfield, while Saka makes way for Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke on the right-wing.

Saka is still working his way back up to full fitness after an Achilles issue. He started the win over Panama, providing an assist for Jude Bellingham's opening goal.

However, it's Madueke who gets the nod in Atlanta, though Tuchel insists the decision says “nothing” about Saka’s fitness.

Bukayo Saka is on the bench for England against DR Congo

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The other alteration is enforced. Jarell Quansah misses out with the ankle problem that forced him to limp off against Panama, leaving the Three Lions short of options at right-back as Reece James is also absent.

That leaves Tottenham’s Djed Spence - who started at left-back against Ghana - as the replacement in the starting XI against DR Congo.

“No, the central defenders stay, Nico [O’Reilly] played three of the four matches, so it’s not a problem,” Tuchel said in response to be quizzed if his decision was to avoid too much disruption in the back line.

“Djed has had minutes in every match, so no problem at all.”