England take on D.R. Congo in their Round of 32 clash 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 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.
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.
Midfield control and attacking threats
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.
DR Congo’s historic knockout run
They will likely face a tricky test from DR Congo, who are through to the World Cup knockouts for the first time on only their second finals outing and first since they previously appeared as Zaire in West Germany in 1974, where they went winless and lost 9-0 to Yugoslavia.
Sebastien Desabre’s side proved their quality by holding Portugal to an opening 1-1 draw in a tough-looking Group K - sealing a maiden World Cup point - and were only narrowly edged out by group winners Colombia 1-0 following a 3-1 come-from-behind victory against debutants Uzbekistan.
They ended up finishing behind both Colombia and Portugal, but easily progressed after topping the third-place table.
DR Congo have reported no physical concerns before their first World Cup knockout game. Sebastien Desabre could revert to the 5-3-2 shape he deployed against Portugal and Colombia after switching to a 4-4-2 against Uzbekistan.
Number nine Brian Cipenga is likely to make way for centre-back Steve Kapuadi if that is the case. At the other end of the pitch, Fiston Mayele has made his case to start over Cedric Bakambu after his goal on matchday three.
However, Sebastien Desabre should still lean on the experience of 35-year-old Cedric Bakambu alongside Yoane Wissa, who has scored more goals at the World Cup, 2, than he did in the whole of the 2025-26 Premier League, 1.
Tactical battle and key matchups
Thomas Tuchel will be looking for England to impose their rhythm early. With Djed Spence providing width at right-back and Nico O’Reilly offering balance on the left, England can stretch DR Congo’s back five if Sebastien Desabre opts for a 5-3-2.
The Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson midfield pairing gives England both control and legs to press. That will be important against a DR Congo side that has shown it can absorb pressure and hit on the break, as seen against Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Jude Bellingham’s role between the lines will be decisive. If he finds space between DR Congo’s midfield and defence, Harry Kane will get service in the box. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford will be tasked with isolating wing-backs and creating 1v1 situations.
For DR Congo, Yoane Wissa’s World Cup form makes him the main threat. Cedric Bakambu’s experience could be crucial in managing moments, while Fiston Mayele offers pace in transition. If Steve Kapuadi comes in, Sebastien Desabre will be banking on defensive solidity to keep England’s attack at bay.
England predicted starting lineup: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
DR Congo predicted starting lineup: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu
