England ramp up their bid to end 60 years of hurt on the global stage as they begin their World Cup knockout-stage campaign against DR Congo in the round of 32.
The Three Lions topped Group L after underwhelming draw against Ghana between wins against Croatia and Panama, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading the charge by scoring five of the country’s six goals. However, Tuchel is faced with a mounting injury crisis heading into the do-or-die knockouts, after Jarell Quansah joined Reece James and the already-departed Tino Livramento on the treatment table to leave the German manager struggling for options at right-back.
England know what awaits them if they beat DR Congo, who scraped through by finishing third in Group K, with a mammoth clash against co-hosts Mexico in the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca lined up after they beat Ecuador last night.
Follow all the latest build-up and action from England vs DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 below:
Read MoreWhat is England’s route to the World Cup final if they beat DR Congo?
World Cup 2026 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
England vs DR Congo live updates
- England face DR Congo in World Cup round of 32 | Live on BBC One
- England will play Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in last-16 if they win
- Miguel Delaney: How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
- TEAM NEWS: Bukayo Saka back on bench, Marcus Rashford keeps place
- England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
- DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Mbuku, Mukau, Cipenga; Wissa
England vs DR Congo: KICK-OFF!
17:00 , Alex PattleOFF WE GO! England in a knockout game, as exciting (nerve-shredding) as it gets!
National anthems!
16:55 , Alex PattleThe players are out on the pitch, and it’s time for the national anthems!
Kick-off is just a few moments away... How are we all feeling?
England’s best five penalty takers – and one player who probably shouldn’t take one
16:48 , Lawrence OstlereHere we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup, and now the threat of penalties looms over every nerve-jangling game.
England’s relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia ‘90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate’s meticulous preparation paid off in England’s first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
England have since won two shootouts against Switzerland, in 2019 and 2024, either side of that painful Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
Roughly a third of World Cup knockout matches go to extra time, and around a quarter go to penalties. Thomas Tuchel has said he believes if England are to go all the way and lift the World Cup in North America, they will most likely need to win two penalty shootouts en route.
Here are England’s best five penalty takers right now – and one player who probably shouldn’t take one:
England’s best penalty takers at the World Cup – and one who shouldn’t step up
Congo lifts Ebola precautions so public can watch England game
16:42 , Alex PattleDR Congo has banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three other areas, aiming to prevent the spread of Ebola.
However, that ban has been lifted in places so the public can watch this game against England!
DR Congo line-up a surprise to Tuchel?
16:35 , Alex PattleTuchel said he expected Congo to start with a back five today, but they will deploy a back four from kick-off, it seems...
England 'panicked' in defence? Joe Hart thinks so
16:28 , Alex PattleFormer England goalkeeper Joe Hart, speaking on the BBC, suggests Thomas Tuchel seems “surprised” by how “panicked” his side have been defensively at this tournament.
It’s a fair point, and for all the talk that England will start to look better in attack against better teams, the issue is that those same teams might cut through the Three Lions...
Saka dropped to bench as Madueke starts
16:21 , Alex PattleYou have to think this is further protection of Saka, amid his niggling injury issues. Madueke has looked bright on the right wing in spells, but not as convincing as Saka, even when the latter has come off the bench.
England's fourth different starting defence in as many games
16:14 , Alex PattleThis is England’s FOURTH different starting defence in as many games.
vs Croatia: James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly
vs Ghana: James, Konsa, Guehi, Spence
vs Panama: Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly
vs DR Congo: Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly
Mind you, England have only conceded two goals, and they were both in the first game.
And injuries have played a big role in the rotation across these fixtures, of course.
Less than one hour until kick-off!
16:07 , Alex PattleWe’re getting nearer!
Where are you following from?
Is work letting you go home early to watch this, or will you be following along from your desk?
If the latter, don’t worry – we’ll have you covered!
A brand new opponent for England
16:00 , Will CastleFun fact: this will be the first time ever England have played DR Congo.
There were only two nations out of the last 32 who could’ve given England an unprecedented matchup, with the other being the tiny African island nation of Cape Verde.
Confirmed DR Congo team news!
15:45 , Will CastleNo fresh injury concerns for DR Congo means they start a full strength team, fielding familiar Premier League names including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki and Yoane Wissa.
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Mbuku, Mukau, Cipenga; Wissa.
England touch down at Atlanta Stadium
15:40 , Will Castle
Confirmed England team news!
15:36 , Will CastleAs was understood, Marcus Rashford keeps his place over Anthony Gordon against DR Congo after his impressive display against Panama.
Bukayo Saka is meanwhile dropped back to the bench to manage his fitness, with Noni Madueke starting.
Declan Rice comes in for Morgan Rogers after he was himself rested as a precaution last time out, while Djed Spence starts at right-back, with Thomas Tuchel opting for the Spurs man as his solution to injuries to Reece James and now Jarell Quansah.
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Our team news for DR Congo! 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/eNjGs5VjeD
— England (@England) July 1, 2026
DR Congo make their arrivals
15:32 , Will Castle
Why DR Congo will be no pushovers as World Cup finally gets serious for England
15:30 , Miguel Delaney in AtlantaAs Thomas Tuchel got to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he couldn’t stop smiling.
“I just love it,” the England manager said, talking about knockout football. “It just gives an extra edge. I love these situations, and I feel it is a privilege.”
It is precisely that attitude, and how it has translated into multiple cup runs and three trophies, that was intended to finally give England an edge in tournaments. Tuchel was appointed because of his success in knockout competition, and now here he and his team are primed.
If the German loves the energy this brings, though, his team and their fans may not exactly enjoy this first ever last-32 tie for England.
Why DR Congo will be no pushovers as World Cup finally gets serious for England
Getting in the mood
15:20 , Will Castle
Expected England XI
15:10 , Will CastleThis is how England are expected to line up this afternoon against DR Congo.
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
BREAKING: Marcus Rashford to start, Bukayo Saka benched
15:04 , Will CastleSome early team news has just emerged.
It’s being reported by The Athletic that Marcus Rashford will keep his place over Anthony Gordon against DR Congo after his impressive display against Panama.
Bukayo Saka is meanwhile dropped back to the bench to manage his fitness, with Noni Madueke starting.
Declan Rice comes in for Morgan Rogers after he was himself rested as a precaution last time out, while Djed Spence starts at right-back.
POLL: Who will win the World Cup?
15:00 , Will CastleWorld Cup power rankings
14:48 , Will CastleWhere do England sit in our World Cup power rankings after the group stage? See how each nation in the last 32 stacks up against each other below:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge heading to knockouts
Are France the team to beat?
14:36 , Will CastleFrance put in a scarily good performance to send Sweden packing from the World Cup last night - here’s Richard Jolly’s report from New York:
Liberte, Egalite, Mbappe. Or maybe it was Liberte, Egalite, Olise. France delivered another mission statement of a performance, another wonderful endorsement of their footballing philosophy taking them closer to a return to New York for a third consecutive World Cup final.
They are making history and making memories. The scorer par excellence and the creator nonpareil brought their artistry to the evisceration of Sweden. One day, perhaps, Graham Potter and his team may be able to cushion their disappointment with the knowledge they witnessed something special from the same pitch.
In Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, France have two candidates for the Golden Ball and if a certain diminutive Argentinian provides competition, this was an illustration of the contrasting strengths of Les Bleus’ devastating double act. Mbappe, with unerring brilliance, got the goals that almost seem a guarantee on such a stage, a third brace of the tournament taking him to nine in his last five World Cup matches.
Mbappe and Olise’s double act is driving France to another World Cup final
No such thing as too big
14:24 , Will CastleThis World Cup has not exactly been short of shocks.
After tiny Cape Verde held Spain in the groups to whet the appetite, two of football’s biggest names have already crashed out in the knockout stage.
The Netherlands were beaten by Morocco - maybe not an upset given how good the Atlas Lions are now - but what was DEFINITELY a shock to the system was Germany’s elimination at the hands of Paraguay.
Any complacency of the biggest hitters against smaller teams will surely be gone now - and England will hope they’re not the next to go.
Who are the BBC commentators, pundits and presenters for England vs DR Congo?
14:12 , Will CastleThe lead commentator for today’s game is Guy Mowbray, with Alan Shearer alongside him on the gantry in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The coverage is being helmed by Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman, with former England players Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart alongside him in the studio to provide punditry and analysis.
Darren Cann is the ex-official providing expert insight on referees, VAR and the laws of the game, and Kelly Somers is delivering interviews from the England camp and reporting pitchside.
Who are the BBC commentators, pundits and presenters for England vs DR Congo?
Three hour countdown!
14:00 , Will CastleWe are just three hours away from kick-off as England sink their teeth into their first bit of World Cup knockouts action.
Think it’s time for some score predictions...
Harry Kane falling behind in race for golden boot
13:54 , Will CastleAfter Kylian Mbappe’s brace against Sweden saw him join Lionel Messi on six goals for the tournament so far, it appears we have our two clear frontrunners for the golden boot.
That’s not great news for Harry Kane, whose tally after the group stage is half of that - not a bad showing by any respect, but perhaps not enough.
Here are how the odds for the golden boot are stacking up, via AceOdds:
- Kylian Mbappe - 1/1
- Lionel Messi - 6/4
- Harry Kane - 16/1
- Erling Haaland - 20/1
- Ousmane Dembele - 20/1
- Vinicius Jr - 33/1
The lofty numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but can US go where they’ve never gone before?
13:42 , Kieran JacksonTwenty days into the World Cup and the figures are in. The main takeaway? A star-spangled soccer popularity surge is engulfing this 50-state land and, so long as the No 1 act is in town, it shows no signs of relenting.
FOX Sports, who spent $485m to acquire the American television rights for the biggest World Cup of all time, have made no secret of their lofty viewership statistics after the group phase. Even withstanding the contrived punditry from the much-maligned Alexi Lakas, the numbers across the board tell the story of a nation gripped by football in an unprecedented manner.
USA’s opening-game triumph against Paraguay, primetime on Friday night, raked in 19 million viewers, topped up to 26 million when including Spanish-language viewers on Telemundo and Peacock. For their other two group games, that total number did not drop below 23 million. For context, Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration last year drew in 24.6 million viewers across all 15 major US networks. And the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals series win, clinched the day after the US victory over Paraguay, drew in 20.6 million per game across ABC and ESPN.
The numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but how far can US team go?
POLL: Do you think Jude Bellingham is judged more harshly than other England stars?
13:30 , Will CastleTino Livramento has surgery after World Cup injury heartbreak
13:06 , Will CastleEngland defender Tino Livramento has undergone surgery after being forced to withdraw from the World Cup squad, his club Newcastle United has confirmed.
The full-back sustained a calf injury just days before England's opening match of the summer tournament against Croatia.
Livramento was subsequently replaced in the squad by Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah and returned to Newcastle for treatment.
England World Cup defender undergoes surgery
England fans take over Atlanta
12:54 , Will Castle
POLL: Who will win the golden boot?
13:22 , Will CastleWorld Cup golden boot standings
12:42 , Will Castle1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 6 goals, (2 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 6 goals
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 5 goals
4. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)
5. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
6. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)
= 7. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Julian Quinones (Mexico), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 10. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals
= 10. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 3 goals
= 10. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 3 goals
= 10. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 3 goals
= 10. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 3 goals
= 10. Harry Kane (England), 3 goals
= 10. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), 3 goals
= 10. Kai Havertz (Germany), 3 goals
The joy of the early kick-off
12:30 , Will CastleWho doesn’t love an early kick-off? Well, pretty much every English fan when it comes to club football, but this is a different kettle of fish.
England kick off at 5pm BST today, a nice change to the late-night starts we’ve been used to at this World Cup.
It means even the young’uns will get to tune in and watch the clash live, something Thomas Tuchel is delighted about.
“Everyone who is allowed to watch tomorrow, because they have to go to bed early normally, hopefully they feel the spirit,” Tuchel said.
“Hopefully they feel how much it means to this team. I see it every day, I feel it every day, and hopefully we can transmit it through the TVs and make them proud and happy.”
Make sure to enjoy it while it lasts, though. Should England get through, the last-16 clash against Mexico will kick-off at 1am...
POLL: Are hydration breaks ruining the World Cup spectacle?
12:18 , Will CastleThe extra motivation of facing England for Aaron Wan-Bissaka
12:06 , Will CastleIn alternate universe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be a World Cup player for England. Today, he lines up against the country he was born in.
The West Ham defender was called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate in 2019, but had to withdraw through injury and never featured again, choosing to switch his allegiance to DR Congo in 2025.
DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre says this connection acts as extra motivation for Wan-Bissaka.
Desabre said: “We have some Premier League players who are familiar, some of them were even born in England and that is always a source of motivation.
“But the number one source of motivation is to play against a serious opponent like England or any other top five in the world. It is hard to find anything more motivating than that.”
Why DR Congo will be no pushovers as World Cup finally gets serious for England
11:54 , Miguel DelaneyAs Thomas Tuchel got to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he couldn’t stop smiling.
“I just love it,” the England manager said, talking about knockout football. “It just gives an extra edge. I love these situations, and I feel it is a privilege.”
It is precisely that attitude, and how it has translated into multiple cup runs and three trophies, that was intended to finally give England an edge in tournaments. Tuchel was appointed because of his success in knockout competition, and now here he and his team are primed.
If the German loves the energy this brings, though, his team and their fans may not exactly enjoy this first ever last-32 tie for England.
Why DR Congo will be no pushovers as World Cup finally gets serious for England
England’s DR Congo test – and why the World Cup’s new order have stunned European giants
11:52 , Will CastleOn the latest episode of Copa Independent, Kieran Jackson in Santa Clara and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta preview England’s last-32 clash against DR Congo – a team that should not be underestimated.
Which way will Thomas Tuchel go with his wingers and full-backs? What and who do the Three Lions need to be wary of? And what lessons can England take from other giant-killings so far in the knockout stage?
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
What Thomas Tuchel said on England's injury crisis
11:30 , Will CastleThomas Tuchel has assured Reece James and Jarell Quansah shouldn’t be sidelined for much longer should England progress tonight - but trusts the alternatives he has at his disposal.
“They are getting close,” the England boss said. “They are getting closer and closer. I saw them on the pitch.
“In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey. But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time, so we need to make sure that we have more matches.
“That is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon.”
On his defensive options, he said: “First of all, I trust my players. I’ve seen them since weeks, I picked them and that’s what football is all about. You have injuries.
“It’s not worth to be too long upset about it and focus on the problem. Find the solution, this is team sport.
“We would love to have Reece with us, we would love to have Jarell with us, but they’re injured at the moment so other players will step up and we will push this over the line tomorrow as a team no matter what happens.”
England's route to the final
11:18 , Will CastleThis is currently what England’s most likely route to the final looks like, based off form and Fifa ranking:
Round of 32
1 July: England v DR Congo | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Round of 16
5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Quarter-final
11 July: England vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Semi-final
15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Final:
19 July: England vs Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
World Cup managers dropping like flies
11:06 , Will CastleAs the dust settles on the first casualties of the World Cup knockout stage, news is filtering through of manager after manager stepping down.
Ronald Koeman left the Netherlands after their shootout defeat to Morocco, and Ecuador’s Sebastian Beccacece has just confirmed he is leaving his post after defeat to Mexico - just a few days after it seemed he saved his job by stunning Germany.
Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, has also departed Uruguay as he bid a “very painful” goodbye in a press conference that last an hour and 40 minutes.
They join the likes of Scotland’s Steve Clarke and South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo in resigning, with the latter leaving his job shrouded in national disgrace. Departures don’t get much more brutal than that.
The name's Bond... Jude Bellingham
10:55 , Will CastleJude Bellingham, the man who has delivered a series of cinematic performances at the World Cup, has now revealed an unexpected ambition: to become the next James Bond.
"I’d love to be in a movie," he stated. "People always ask me, ‘What’s the thing I’d want to do out of football?’ – and I never really give it that much thought, but when I have I always come to ‘I’d love to be in a film’.
"I’d love to be James Bond. I’ve watched all of them. I’ve watched the (Sean) Connery ones, Roger Moore, I’ve seen all of them. I love James Bond. I swear, I’d love to be in the back of a James Bond film. (Maybe) James Bond himself, but you’ve got to crawl before you can walk. They haven’t (found a new Bond) yet, have they?"
A Brummie Bond might be just what the franchise needs.
Who will play right-back for England?
10:54 , Will CastleThe 27th man in the squad now has a path to playing in the World Cup, though the Chelsea defender even admitted after joining the group in Kansas City that his role is a right-sided centre-back under Tuchel.
That's not to say he cannot fill in at right-back, but should Tuchel shift Konsa, then Chalobah could slot in if problems emerge at centre-back.
Chalobah has mostly played at centre-back, or right side of a three with his club, though he did feature at right-back in a 3-1 loss to Leeds.
Who will play right-back for England?
10:42 , Will CastleEzri Konsa
Predominantly a centre-back, the Aston Villa defender is favoured by Tuchel for his ability to perform in multiple positions.
He’s filled in at right-back for England before and has the pace to cover against any potential counter-attacking threats.
Points against him moving across are that Tuchel may be reluctant to disrupt the centre of his defence. Konsa has been a permanent centre-back through group stage.
The decision may come down to whether Tuchel trusts his other options to perform as strongly.
Who will play right-back for England?
10:30 , Will CastleWith Jarell Quansah and Reece James both out, let’s take a look at three potential solutions to Thomas Tuchel’s right-back injury crisis:
Djed Spence
Tottenham defender Spence was selected for the England squad due to his versatility across the backline and that has already been proven across England’s group fixtures.
Against Croatia, he came on midway through the second half as a replacement for Jude Bellingham but slotted in at right-back with James pushed up to defensive midfield. Spence performed solidly and combined beautifully with Bukayo Saka on the right wing as the Three Lions pushed for a fourth goal.
In the match against Ghana, Spence was handed a starting berth but at left-back replacing Nico O’Reilly. Though he held his own for the majority of the game, England looked more threatening once O’Reilly replaced him which is perhaps a sign that Spence is more effective in his natural position on the right.
And that’s where he returned when brought on for the injured Quansah against Panama, indicating that Tuchel likely sees him as next in line to start in the position.
A rare injury boost?
10:21 , Will CastleAt last, some good news on the England injury front!
After being rested as a precaution against Panama, key midfielder Declan Rice is back in contention.
“I’m good, genuinely, I’m good,” he said. “I know there’s been one (concern) over my hamstring, which has been an issue, but that’s not a problem because I’m still here training, I’m playing. I’m fine.
“I got a dead calf in the last minute of the Ghana game. The guy whacked me and it literally blew up for like three days, so that was just unlucky. It wasn’t actually a calf problem.
“I’m managing myself really well. I feel good, fit and strong. It’s the World Cup and missing out the other day (isn’t a problem).
“We have a squad of 26 who are unbelievable and can play. Kobbie (Mainoo) can play, Jordan (Henderson) can play. Morgan (Rogers) came in and Jude (Bellingham) played as the number eight.
“If it means that sometimes I have to miss out because we have other players who can play against a certain opposition, I’m fine with that, as long as we keep going and winning matches.”
POLL: How far will England go?
10:18 , Will CastleJordan Pickford says England ready to ‘go to war’ for Thomas Tuchel at World Cup
10:06 , Will CastleEngland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has declared the squad is prepared to "go to war" for manager Thomas Tuchel as they gear up to face DR Congo in a pivotal World Cup last-32 encounter.
"Belief, togetherness. I think we have had that previously, but I think the manager’s got that belief in us," Pickford said.
"The meetings the manager has with us, it is like you are ready to go to war. He puts that belief in you. There is different meetings he has tactically, and it is like ‘yeah, it is go time’." He added, "We all want the same goal, we all want that end goal and this squad he has picked, we are all in good spirits and all in good moments in our career."
WATCH: England World Cup fan spends £40,000 house deposit on Three Lions trip with father
09:54 , Will CastleGroup stage results
09:42 , Will CastleEngland:
4-2 vs Croatia
0-0 vs Ghana
2-0 vs Panama
DR Congo:
1-1 vs Portugal
0-1 vs Colombia
3-1 vs Uzbekistan
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
09:30 , Miguel DelaneyAround Thomas Tuchel’s squad, Jude Bellingham is now seen as having “matured”. How couldn’t he, when he’s already twice been a match-winner in England’s World Cup 2026 campaign?
Bellingham is stepping up in the way stars do.
Either way, the squad chemistry is very different to Euro 2024, when there was a lot of commentary about how the then-21-year-old had been absorbing the 10-part Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance.
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
Predicted line-ups
09:25 , Will CastleEngland XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.
Early DR Congo team news
09:20 , Will CastleDR Congo have no new injury concerns after their win over Uzbekistan last time out, so Sebastien Desabre will likely field familiar Premier League names including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Yoane Wissa.
Early England team news
09:15 , Will CastleDefender Reece James is a confirmed absentee for the Three Lions, with the Chelsea captain facing a fight to recover in time to feature again at the tournament. He’s joined by Jarell Quansah on the treatment table, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender forced to come off during the win over Panama on Saturday.
Djed Spence could feature at right-back, while Ezri Konsa could move to right-back with John Stones coming in at centre-back. Declan Rice should return for the Three Lions, while Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford will hope to start after encouraging performances in the final group game.
Who will the winner face?
09:10 , Will CastleThe winner will face Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2-0. That match will take place on Monday, 6 July (Sunday, 5 July local time) at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Chris Wilson was in the capital for Mexico’s impressive victory last night - an early warning sign for what may await for England?
Here’s his report:
Mexico dominate Ecuador in ominous World Cup display – and England could be next
Is England vs DR Congo on TV?
09:05 , Will CastleEngland’s last-32 tie against DR Congo kicks off at 5pm BST (12pm ET) on Wednesday, 1 July at the Atlanta Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on BBC One. It will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
England vs DR Congo LIVE!
09:03 , Will CastleEngland ramp up their bid to end 60 years of hurt on the global stage as they begin their World Cup knockout-stage campaign against DR Congo in the round of 32.
The Three Lions topped Group L after underwhelming draw against Ghana between wins against Croatia and Panama, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading the charge by scoring five of the country’s six goals.
However, Tuchel is faced with a mounting injury crisis heading into the do-or-die knockouts, with Jarell Quansah joining Reece James and the already-departed Tino Livramento on the treatment table to leave the German manager struggling for options at right-back.
England know what awaits them if they beat DR Congo, who scraped through by finishing third in Group K, with a mammoth clash against co-hosts Mexico in the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca lined up after they beat Ecuador last night.
Good morning
09:00 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of England’s knockout-stage opener against DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32.
We’ll bring you all the latest build-up and team news ahead of today’s earlier kick-off in the United States. Stay tuned!
