Thomas Tuchel appears to have made a major decision for England's round of 32 clash with DR Congo's - with the line-up 'leaked'
Thomas Tuchel is set to drop Anthony Gordon, again, for Marcus Rashford as England clash with DR Congo in the round of 32 at the World Cup.
The Three Lions are back in action on Wednesday evening for their first knockout game of the 2026 festival of football . DR Congo qualified as one of the best third placed teams - but could pose a tricky challenge for Tuchel.
Tuchel has been favouring Gordon in the early matches of the tournament, but appears to have dropped the Barcelona winger in favour of Rashford - like he did in the final group stage match against Panama .
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According to The Athletic , Noni Madueke will also start with Bukayo Saka continuing to manage his fitness. His Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice will also return to the side after sitting out Saturday's match.
Djed Spence is also set to start at right-back with Jarell Quansah and Reece James already having been ruled out with injury.
While Morgan Rogers has been dropped back to the bench after being named in the starting side against Panama.
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"I think we're facing a very, very compact, very physical team, a well-drilled team in a expectedly 5-3-2 formation, sometimes a 5-diamond-4 formation, especially with a ball, but of the ball a 5-3-2," said the German in the pre-match press conference.
"Compact block, disciplined defending, change between high press and low block, very devoted, very disciplined, well-drilled.
"So very dangerous in counterattacks, very direct in the approach of play, can play, not shy to play long balls into the depth, make it a running game, make it a game into second balls.
"A team that didn't allow a lot of chances, didn't allow a lot of goals against teams like Colombia and Portugal. So that's basically what waits for us. We know where we are.
"We know that it's now the moment to find ways to win. It's the moment to dig in. It's the moment to be patient and to do what we do on highest level.
"They have the capacity to make their life difficult for everyone. They did it to Portugal and Colombia. So the mindset is clear and we're ready for tomorrow."