It wouldn’t be England at a World Cup without some injury drama and it’s the right-back position that continues to prove a major concern ahead of the round of 32 clash with DR Congo.
The Three Lions are unbeaten at this summer’s tournament, with seven points enough to top Group L and progress into the knock-out stages, but this is where things get serious.
A slip-up now will be fatal and Wednesday’s opponents are exactly the sort of team – dedicated defensively and quick on the break – that could spring an upset.
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Thomas Tuchel has not been afraid to tweak his team game by game, but the German coach will surely name his strongest possible XI against DR Congo.
But what is the latest concerning England’s injury issues? And what are the expected line-ups?
Radio Times brings you the predicted team news for England v DR Congo at World Cup 2026.
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England v DR Congo team news
England are set to be without both Reece James (hamstring) and Jarell Quansah (ankle) due to injury, which leaves Djed Spence or centre-back Ezri Konsa as Tuchel’s options on the right side of the defence.
But there is positive news concerning midfielder Declan Rice, as he and the rest of the squad were in full training ahead of the DR Congo game.
The African side have no injury issues ahead of their first knock-out match at a World Cup.
England v DR Congo predicted line-ups
England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Rashford
DR Congo: Mpasi; Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi; Wan-Bissaka, Sadiki, Mukau, Moutoussamy, Masuaku; Wissa, Bakambu
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
