FIFA WC 2026: Tuchel mulls changes as England face DR Congo in Round of 32
New York, June 30
England head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to make a few changes to his starting XI as the Group L winners prepare to face DR Congo in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
England sealed top spot in the group with a 2-0 win over Panama after being held to a goalless draw by Ghana, but questions remain over their ability to break down organised defensive teams.
Against Panama, it took two moments of brilliance from Jude Bellingham to secure the victory. The midfielder opened the scoring with a smart finish from a corner before setting up Harry Kane for England's second goal.
Although England have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, their defence left openings that stronger opponents could have punished, reports Xinhua.
Tuchel is expected to welcome back midfielder Declan Rice, who missed the Panama match with a minor calf problem. Rice is likely to return alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield, with Morgan Rogers expected to make way.
England will still be without Reece James, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Jarell Quansah is doubtful after twisting his ankle on Saturday.
Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back, with Nico O'Reilly on the left. Spence's attacking runs could provide added width, while Tuchel must also decide whether Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke starts on the right wing. Saka looked short of full match fitness against Panama, while Madueke struggled to make an impact.
Marcus Rashford, one of England's brightest performers against Panama, is expected to retain his place on the left flank ahead of Anthony Gordon.
DR Congo have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament, progressing to the Round of 32 after defeating Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal, and narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia in the group stage.
Competing as Zaire, DR Congo became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to play at a FIFA World Cup in 1974. While that campaign ended in three defeats, including a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia, the current side is considered far stronger.
With experienced players such as Cedric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki, Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, and former England Under-21 defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, along with several players featuring in France, DR Congo present a much tougher challenge, and England will be wary of underestimating them as they chase a place in the Round of 16.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Tuchel is a smart coach, but England's attack still looks shaky against defensive teams. Ghana held them to a draw, and DR Congo has a solid backline with Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe. I think this could be an upset — DR Congo 2-1 England! 🤞
As a neutral, I'm rooting for DR Congo! Their journey from 1974's 9-0 loss to this strong side is inspiring. African football is growing fast — India should take notes on how to develop grassroots and compete globally. 🇨🇩🔥
England's defence hasn't conceded, but they've been lucky. Tuchel needs to start Saka and Rashford together — both can create chances. DR Congo is no pushover; they held Portugal and almost beat Colombia. This is a potential banana skin for England! 🍌
Honestly, England's overhyped as usual. Bellingham is carrying the team on his back. If DR Congo's midfield can shut him down, they have a real chance. Plus, Bakambu is a clinical finisher — could be the difference. Go Leopards! 🐆
Respect to DR Congo for making it this far. From Zaire's painful 1974 campaign to now — that's real progress. We Indians know about rebuilding after setbacks. Hope this match inspires more African and Asian teams to shine. 🇮🇳🤝🇨🇩
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