England vs DR Congo – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·1 juillet 2026

England vs DR Congo – Predicted lineup and team news

England face DR Congo at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday evening in the World Cup last 32, aiming to reach the round of 16.

The Three Lions finished top of Group L and arrive in Atlanta with every incentive to deliver a confident knockout performance — particularly after a group stage that left supporters questioning whether the squad’s individual talent is being fully utilised. DR Congo, the tournament’s highest-ranked third-place qualifier, will not be a straightforward opponent.

Vidéos OneFootball

England team news

The right-back situation dominates the pre-match conversation. Reece James missed the Panama match with a hamstring injury, and his tournament now looks over. Jarell Quansah, who had stepped in for James before rolling his ankle during the Panama game, is a doubt.

Tuchel suggested after the final whistle that the injury was “a matter of days” but Quansah is unlikely to be risked here at this stage of the tournament. Djed Spence, who replaced Quansah in New Jersey, is therefore expected to start at right back.

Declan Rice is a significant positive. The Arsenal midfielder was rested for Panama to manage the calf injury he sustained in the Ghana draw, but he is expected to start on Wednesday. His return restores England’s most important midfield presence alongside Elliot Anderson, with Kobbie Mainoo remaining on the bench for now.

Jude Bellingham continues in the number ten position and has been England’s most decisive performer at the tournament — his contributions against Croatia and Panama coming at the most important moments.

Bukayo Saka is managing an Achilles problem that has restricted him throughout Arsenal’s season and into the World Cup, but is expected to start on the right flank. Marcus Rashford keeps his place on the left, having done enough ahead of Anthony Gordon to hold the position.

Harry Kane leads the line with three goals to his name in the group stage, in pursuit of the World Cup Golden Boot. Jordan Pickford continues in goal behind a back four that is otherwise unchanged — Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at centre-back, Nico O’Reilly at left back.