Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his England starting eleven for Wednesday’s World Cup last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta, handing a first tournament start to Djed Spence at right-back and selecting Noni Madueke ahead of Bukayo Saka.
Spence, who featured for Genoa last season, enters a defence depleted by injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi continue in central defence, with Lewis O’Reilly at left-back. Declan Rice overcomes recent fitness concerns to partner Elliot Anderson in midfield, while Harry Kane leads the attack supported by Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Madueke.
Confirmed line-ups
England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy; Mbuku, Mukau, Cipenga; Wissa.
Kick-off is at 17:00 UK time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The winners will advance to face Mexico in the Round of 16.
Tactical context
The selection of Spence represents a significant adjustment for Tuchel. The former Tottenham defender played largely on the left flank for his club last season, yet he slots into the right side of a back four that has looked vulnerable throughout the tournament. England conceded twice against Croatia and struggled to break down Ghana before securing top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama.
DR Congo offer a stern examination of that reshuffled backline. Sébastien Desabre’s side held Portugal to a draw during the group phase and have demonstrated considerable defensive organisation. With Brentford forward Yoane Wissa leading the line and former Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe anchoring the defence, they will seek to frustrate England with a compact shape before hitting on the counter.
Saka, who has been managing an Achilles problem, drops to the bench despite his earlier contributions. Cremonese midfielder Charles Pickel is included in the DR Congo squad after spending last season on loan at Espanyol.
England have never lost to an African nation at a World Cup finals, but Tuchel has warned his squad against complacency by referencing the tenth anniversary of the Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland. With a place in the last 16 at stake, the German coach will hope his 74 per cent career win ratio in knockout football translates to the international stage.