England predicted XI vs DR Congo as Arsenal duo face fitness calls | OneFootball

England face DR Congo at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel weighing fitness calls on Arsenal pair Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, a likely XI has emerged for the Three Lions’ first knockout test.

England topped their group after a 4-2 win over Croatia, a goalless draw with Ghana, then a laboured 2-0 against Panama. DR Congo are expected to sit deep and counter, and England’s defence has looked shaky, an issue Tuchel has been addressing in training.

Rice, rested against Panama, is hopeful of starting while managing calf and long-term hamstring issues after more than 50 Arsenal games for a third straight season. Saka, substituted after about an hour on his tournament bow, is nursing a persistent Achilles problem. Reece James will miss out with a hamstring injury.

Predicted back line and keeper: Jordan Pickford in goal, Djed Spence at right-back amid injuries to Jarell Quansah and James, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at centre-back, and Nico O’Reilly at left-back. Konsa could instead shift wide, in which case John Stones may partner Guehi.

Midfield and attack could see Rice with Elliot Anderson, who is closing in on a move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City after overcoming a glute issue to face Ghana. Ahead of them, Saka right, Marcus Rashford left and Jude Bellingham central, with Harry Kane up front. This would be England’s first ever meeting with DR Congo, and Kane remains on three World Cup goals, with Lionel Messi on six.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk