Last Word on Football brings you the confirmed lineups and team news ahead of the England vs DR Congo 2026 World Cup last 32 clash at the Atlanta Stadium, kickoff 5 pm BST, 12 pm local.
This is the first time the countries have met, with the Three Lions favourites to progress. However, Congo have nothing to lose and are expected to make it a tough test for England in a bid to get a famous victory.
A last-16 game against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on July 6 awaits the winner.
Read More: England vs DR Congo: Three Lions Predicted Lineup and Team News
England vs DR Congo: Confirmed Lineups and Team News Ahead of World Cup Last 32 Clash
England Team News
The Three Lions are expected to be without Reece James and Jarell Quansah, giving boss Thomas Tuchel a headache at right back. Djed Spence is the favourite to fill in; however, Tuchel could decide to recall John Stones to play in the centre of defence with Ezri Konsa moving across to fullback.
Declan Rice will return to the starting eleven after missing out against Panama. He will resume his place in central midfield with Elliot Anderson, allowing Jude Bellingham to move back to his favoured number 10 role behind Harry Kane.
Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start on the right wing, and Marcus Rashford could keep his place on the left wing ahead of Anthony Gordon.
DR Congo Team News
Manager Sébastien Desabre has no new injury worries to deal with, so he will be able to call upon a host of players who know all about the English game. Included in the Leopards squad are Sunderland pair Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku, West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, and Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa. Former Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta is also in the squad, as is Watford’s Edo Kayembe and former Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Tshibola.
England Confirmed Lineup
Will appear here approximately 90 mins before kickoff
DR Congo Confirmed Lineup
Will appear here approximately 90 mins before kickoff
Thomas Tuchel on Last 16 Game
During his pre-match press-conference, England manager Thomas Tuchel said: “Now in the first knockout, we will face a copy of Ghana, a copy of Panama, a proud team, a defensive team, a committed team to defending, a quick team, happy to counterattack.
“We need to get our expectations right, that we are not frustrated, that we keep on doing what we’re doing, that we keep on believing. Everyone expects us now to beat DR Congo. We are the first ones to expect it from ourselves. It just doesn’t mean that it will happen. We still have to do an awful lot to do it. But we still expect it from us, so fair enough.”
Featured image courtesy of Imago/Every Second Media
