England face DR Congo at World Cup crossroads
England reach their first real crossroads of this World Cup on Wednesday night, under the roof of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with DR Congo waiting in the last 32.
Top of Group L, yet still under scrutiny. That’s the tension wrapped around this team. The results were good enough; the performances have not convinced a restless support that this richly gifted squad is being used to its full potential. DR Congo, the highest-ranked of the third-place qualifiers, arrive as the kind of opponent that punishes any hint of complacency.
This is where England must start to look like contenders, not just qualifiers.
Right-back roulette and a reshaped defence
The build-up has been dominated by one position on the pitch. Right-back has become a storyline all of its own.
Reece James, whose World Cup was supposed to be a showcase of his two-way brilliance, has seen it effectively ended by a hamstring injury that kept him out against Panama and will now rule him out of the knockout stages. Jarell Quansah, the next man up, rolled his ankle in that same game. Thomas Tuchel played down the severity, calling it “a matter of days”, but this is tournament football. There is no appetite to gamble on a half-fit defender in a knockout tie.
So the responsibility swings to Djed Spence. Thrown on in New Jersey when Quansah limped off, he now looks set to start from the first whistle in Atlanta. It is a huge moment for a player whose career has often felt on the brink of ignition without quite catching fire. On Wednesday, there will be no hiding place: DR Congo will test his positioning, his composure, and his nerve.
Around him, continuity. Jordan Pickford remains in goal, the ever-present voice behind a back four that otherwise stays intact. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi continue at centre-back, a partnership that has grown into the tournament with quiet assurance. On the left, Nico O’Reilly holds his place, offering balance and energy on a flank that will be crucial to stretching DR Congo’s compact shape.
Rice returns, and England’s heartbeat comes back
The most significant boost arrives in midfield. Declan Rice, rested against Panama to protect a calf problem picked up in the draw with Ghana, is expected to return to the starting XI. His presence changes the feel of this England side.
With Rice anchoring, England gain structure, aggression, and a platform to play. He slots back alongside Elliot Anderson, whose tidy, progressive passing has earned trust in the group stage. Kobbie Mainoo, bright but still waiting for a sustained run, is likely to remain on the bench, a weapon for later rather than from the start.
Ahead of them, Jude Bellingham continues to operate in the number ten role and, so far, he has been the man of the moment in this campaign. When England have needed a spark, he has provided it — decisive contributions against Croatia and Panama underlining his status as the player who drags this team forward when the rhythm dips.
If England are to turn this into a deep run, Bellingham’s influence cannot fade now.
Saka and Rashford play through the pain and pressure
Out wide, the picture is more complicated. Bukayo Saka is still managing the Achilles issue that shadowed his season with Arsenal and has followed him into the World Cup. It has limited him, but not removed him. He is still expected to start on the right, cutting inside, linking with Bellingham, and carrying a creative burden that feels heavier with every game.
On the left, Marcus Rashford keeps his place. His performances have not been flawless, yet he has done just enough to keep Anthony Gordon on the outside looking in. Rashford’s direct running and threat in behind offer England a different dimension, especially against a side like DR Congo who can be drawn into duels and exposed if the ball is moved quickly into space.
These wide areas will matter. DR Congo are disciplined and athletic; they will not simply open up. England’s wingers must force the issue.
Kane’s golden chase and the stakes in Atlanta
At the tip of the attack, there is no debate. Harry Kane starts, as he always does when fit, and he does so with three goals already banked from the group stage. The World Cup Golden Boot is in his sights again, but this is about more than personal milestones. England need their captain to knit attacks together, to occupy centre-backs, to give this talented supporting cast a focal point.
Behind him, the shape is familiar: a 4-2-3-1 that has become England’s default.
Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Kick-off comes at 17:00 BST on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, with BBC One and BBC iPlayer carrying the game live in the UK. A prime-time slot, a knockout tie, and a fanbase demanding a performance that matches the names on the teamsheet.
England have reached the stage where reputation stops counting for much. DR Congo will not bow to the badge. The question now is simple: does this England side have the conviction to turn potential into something far more serious, under the bright lights of Atlanta?
