England has made three changes for its Round of 32 clash against DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup today (Wednesday, July 1).
England topped Group L to progress to the next stage of the World Cup following wins against Croatia (4-2) and Panama (2-0) and a 0-0 draw with Ghana.
They now face the Democratic Republic of Congo in their first elimination match of the tournament, with Mexico awaiting the winner in the next round.
England line-up vs DR Congo
Djed Spence has been handed a start as England make three changes for their knockout match in Atlanta.
The Tottenham right-back comes into the line-up for the last-32 clash against the DR Congo, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah both sidelined through injury.
Quansah was forced off during England’s group-stage win over Panama after twisting his ankle.
Declan Rice also returns to the starting XI after sitting out the Panama match to manage a calf issue.
He resumes his midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson, while Jude Bellingham moves back into the number ten role.
Morgan Rogers drops out as a result of the reshuffle.
In attack, Noni Madueke takes the right-wing spot from Bukayo Saka, with Marcus Rashford retaining his place on the left.
Spence’s inclusion allows Thomas Tuchel to keep his preferred centre-back pairing of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while Nico O’Reilly remains at left-back.
Harry Kane continues to lead the line as he chases the tournament’s Golden Boot.
The Bayern Munich striker finished the group stage as England’s top scorer with three goals, becoming the nation’s record World Cup scorer in the process.
However, he currently trails behind Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi (both six goals), Erling Haaland (five), Ousmane Dembele, and Vinicius Jr (both four) in the overall standings.
Should England progress, they will face hosts Mexico in Mexico City at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
DR Congo’s starting eleven includes West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa.
Our team news for DR Congo! 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/eNjGs5VjeD
— England (@England) July 1, 2026
The England lineup set to take on DR Congo is as follows:
- Jordan Pickford (GK)
- Ezri Konsa
- Nico O'Reilly
- Declan Rice
- Marc Guehi
- Elliot Anderson
- Harry Kane (C)
- Jude Bellingham
- Marcus Rashford
- Noni Madueke
- Djed Spence
Substitutes:
- John Stones
- Bukayo Saka
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Dean Henderson (GK)
- Jordan Henderson
- Dan Burn
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Morgan Rogers
- Anthony Gordon
- Ollie Watkins
- Eberechi Eze
- Ivan Toney
- James Trafford (GK)
- Reece James
- Jarell Quansah
Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the starting line-up.
One person, posting on X (formerly Twitter), commented: "Solid in the middle! Come on you lads!"
Another added: "I pray they deliver as expected, else Tuchel will be sacked."
A third fan wrote: "Young guns getting a chance, interesting call-ups."
What time is England v DR Congo kick-off?
England's Round of 32 clash against DR Congo kicks off at 5pm.
You can watch all the action on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Do you think England will win tonight's match against DR Congo? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
