Full Breakdown
England vs DR Congo: Round of 32
7/1/2026, 10:04:54 PM
Recent Form and Context
England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama, a 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 4-2 victory over Croatia. DR Congo qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams after a 1-1 draw with Portugal, a 0-1 loss to Colombia and a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England are fourth in the FIFA rankings; DR Congo 46th.
Injuries and Line-up
Reece James (hamstring) and Jarell Quansah (ankle) are unavailable, leaving Djed Spence as the likely right-back; Ezri Konsa may shift there if needed. Marcus Rashford retains his left-wing place; Noni Madueke replaces Bukayo Saka on the right while Saka’s Achilles is being managed. Declan Rice returns to midfield after resting against Panama, and the back four includes Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa and centre-back John Stones, whose fitness is uncertain.
Tactical Outlook
Tuchel described DR Congo as a “very compact, very physical, well-drilled” side that may use a 5-3-2 formation with a disciplined low block. England must break down such a block, a task highlighted by recent difficulties against Ghana and Panama. Set-piece strength, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, remains important.
Official Statements
Tuchel stressed England are favourites but urged humility, calmness and avoidance of over-expectation, noting that Germany’s and the Netherlands’ early exits help “calm us down”. He said the focus must be on the match, not rankings. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford added England are ready for a penalty shoot-out and will “be ready for anything”.
Criticism
Wayne Rooney warned England lack stability in the goalkeeper-back-four. Injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah leave only Djed Spence or an ad-hoc centre-back shift at right-back, prompting analyst criticism. Defensive frailty was also highlighted after low-block struggles versus Ghana.
Conflicting Reports
Reports differ on John Stones’ start; some suggest he could partner Guéhi, others cite his limited Premier League minutes. Bukayo Saka’s fitness is described as “managed” in some accounts and “likely to start” in others. Right-back options range from Spence to a possible Konsa shift. James and Quansah’s injury status is only noted as “getting closer”.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our opponent will play in the role of underdog which is always the easier role,” — Thomas Tuchel
- “We are the favourites. We play against our own expectations. We expect to go further than the round of 32, so why should the public not expect that?” — Thomas Tuchel
- “I think it can calm us down, in a way.” — Thomas Tuchel
- “You have to be prepared for anything, knockout football, anything can happen, we as England want to win in 90 minutes,” — Jordan Pickford
What’s Next
A win advances England to a last-16 match against Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City.
