England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, is set to tweak his starting lineup as they gear up to face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. The English team secured the top spot in their group with a 2-0 victory over Panama, following a goalless draw with Ghana. Questions linger about their ability to penetrate well-organized defensive opponents.
In the match against Panama, Jude Bellingham’s exceptional plays were instrumental in England’s win. Bellingham scored the opener with a clever finish from a corner kick and then assisted Harry Kane for the second goal. Despite not conceding a goal so far in the tournament, England’s defense displayed vulnerabilities that stronger teams could exploit.
Expected changes in the lineup include the return of midfielder Declan Rice, who missed the Panama game due to a minor calf issue. Rice is likely to partner with Elliot Anderson in midfield, potentially replacing Morgan Rogers. Reece James remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while Jarell Quansah’s availability is uncertain after an ankle twist.
DR Congo, a surprise package in the tournament, advanced to the Round of 32 by defeating Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal, and narrowly losing to Colombia. The team, previously known as Zaire, made history as the first Sub-Saharan African nation to compete in a FIFA World Cup in 1974. Despite a challenging campaign then, the current DR Congo squad, featuring experienced players like Cedric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, poses a formidable challenge for England.
England faces a tough test against DR Congo, with players like Bakambu, Sadiki, Wissa, Tuanzebe, and Wan-Bissaka bolstering the African team’s strength. The English side, led by Tuchel, must be cautious not to underestimate DR Congo as they aim to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
