Tuchel expected to ring changes as England prepare for DR Congo World Cup showdown
By Joel Masibo, June 30, 2026England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to make further adjustments to his lineup ahead of his team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-32 encounter against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Successful group campaign
England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama, but the performance did not completely silence concerns about the team’s struggles against opponents who defend deep.
Those worries were first exposed during the goalless draw with Ghana and remained evident despite the win.
The breakthrough against Panama came thanks to Jude Bellingham, whose clever finish from a corner gave England the lead before he provided the assist for Harry Kane to score the second goal.
Although England has yet to concede in the tournament, its defensive display has not been flawless. Panama found openings that stronger and more clinical opponents could have punished.
Tuchel is expected to receive a boost with the return of midfielder Declan Rice, who sat out the Panama match because of a minor calf issue. Rice is likely to reclaim his place in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, while Morgan Rogers is expected to start among the substitutes.
England will still be without Reece James, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah’s ankle problem, picked up on Saturday, is also set to keep him out, paving the way for Djed Spence to feature at right-back, while Nico O’Reilly is tipped to operate on the opposite flank.
Spence’s attacking runs from defense could provide England with extra width going forward. It remains uncertain whether he will combine with Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke, as Saka appeared to lack full sharpness against Panama and Madueke was unable to make a significant impact.
Rashford impresses
Marcus Rashford impressed with an energetic display against Panama and is expected to retain his place on the left wing ahead of Anthony Gordon.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has emerged as one of Africa’s standout teams at this tournament, progressing from the group stage after defeating Uzbekistan, earning a respectable draw against Portugal and narrowly losing 1-0 to an impressive Colombia side.
The nation previously appeared at the World Cup as Zaire in 1974, becoming the first country from Sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for the finals. That campaign ended in three defeats, including a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia, and is remembered for the unusual incident in which defender Mwepu Ilunga sprinted from the defensive wall to clear a free kick awarded to Brazil before it was taken.
Today’s DR Congo side bears little resemblance to that historic squad. With experienced players including Cedric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki, Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, former England Under-21 defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and five members of the squad playing their club football in France, the African nation has the quality to pose a serious challenge to England.