- England predicted lineup: Tuchel set to make defensive adjustment for World Cup Round of 32 against DR Congo
- The match kicks off on Wednesday, July 1 from 7:00PM EAT at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia) .
England will begin their FIFA World Cup knockout campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday aiming to continue the impressive form that saw them finish top of Group L with an unbeaten record.
The Three Lions secured their place in the Round of 32 after collecting seven points from their three group matches, capping off the phase with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for the knockout clash have been complicated by defensive injury concerns, forcing the England manager into at least one change to his starting XI.
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Jarell Quansah is expected to miss the encounter after suffering an ankle injury during the victory over Panama. His absence adds to England’s growing list of defensive setbacks, with Tino Livramento already ruled out of the tournament and Reece James also struggling with a hamstring problem.
Those injuries are likely to open the door for Djed Spence, who is expected to start at right-back. The Tottenham Hotspur defender offers pace, athleticism and the ability to support attacks from wide areas while remaining disciplined in defensive transitions.
Jordan Pickford should continue between the posts after recording consecutive clean sheets in the group stage. In central defence, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi are expected to retain their partnership, having looked composed in possession and solid when dealing with aerial threats. Nico O’Reilly is also tipped to continue at left-back after another dependable display.
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England’s midfield has been one of the team’s strongest departments throughout the tournament. Elliot Anderson has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, leading the squad in line-breaking passes, duels won and possession recoveries.
His energy, pressing ability and progressive passing have made him an automatic selection alongside Declan Rice, whose defensive awareness and control allow England to dominate the middle of the park.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are expected to occupy the wide attacking roles after both impressed against Panama. Saka created the opening goal with an excellent assist for Jude Bellingham, while Rashford consistently threatened the opposition defence with his pace and direct running.
Bellingham will once again operate as the attacking midfielder, linking midfield and attack with his intelligent movement and creativity.
The Real Madrid star remains central to England’s attacking play and will be tasked with supplying captain Harry Kane, who continues to rewrite the record books for his country. Kane enters the knockout stages as England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer and will be aiming to add to his tally against DR Congo.
England will start the tie as favourites, but Tuchel will know knockout football often leaves little margin for error. Maintaining defensive discipline while taking advantage of their attacking quality will be key if the Three Lions are to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1):Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.