England XI vs DR Congo: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup | OneFootball

England XI vs DR Congo: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Evening Standard

Evening Standard

·1 July 2026

England XI vs DR Congo: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup

Article image:England XI vs DR Congo: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup

Thomas Tuchel must make a big decision in defence but Declan Rice is pushing for a return

Thomas Tuchel is juggling a right-back crisis for England’s World Cup round of 32 match tonight against DR Congo.


OneFootball Videos


It comes after Tino Livramento dropped out of England’s World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament with a calf injury and then Reece James suffered a hamstring issue that kept him out of Panama and will see him miss DR Congo. Both he and Quansah will be unavailable after missing training on Tuesday.

Tuchel may have to turn to Djed Spence — who is in the squad as a left-back — or shift centre-back Ezri Konsa to the right and bring John Stones back in centrally as he looks for a solution at right-back.

Article image:England XI vs DR Congo: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup

Versatile: Djed Spence

Getty

“A classic ankle twist and he is in pain,” Tuchel said of Quansah's injury. “He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.

“Naturally, of course [I am worried about the right-back situation]. We have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.”

In midfield, Declan Rice will be back available after he was handed a rest against Panama, and that is likely to see Jude Bellingham - used as a No8 in Rice’s absence - shift up and return to the No10 role.

Tuchel must decide between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke on the right wing and between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford on the left.

Injured: James, Quansah

View publisher imprint