England have made three changes to their starting lineup against Congo DR in the Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Declan Rice has returned, while Bukayo Saka has been dropped and Noni Maduike has been given a chance.
Ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Congo DR at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Three Lions have made a total of three changes to their starting lineup. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has recalled Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who replaces Morgan Rodgers in midfield. Tuchel also benched Rice’s club teammate Bukayo Saka and replaced the 24-year-old with his other club teammate Nonny Maduike on the right wing. Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will start on the left wing.
Big changes in England team
Tottenham’s Jade Spence will make his second start of this World Cup campaign. He replaces right-back Jerrel Quansah, who is unavailable due to injury. Rice’s return to the team means Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham will start in his usual attacking position in midfield, giving the England team attacking depth. Bellingham has been in great form for the Three Lions. He scored a goal and provided an assist in their last group stage match against Panama.
Congo also made a change
Congo DR coach Sebastien Desabre has opted for just one change after their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan which gave them an historic progress to the knockouts. Midfielder Ngalele Mukai replaces forward Cedric Bakambu. According to Opta Analyst, Thomas Tuchel’s side finished Group L with seven points, equal to their best-ever World Cup group-stage tally achieved in 2006 and 2022.
How was the performance in the group stage?
England started their campaign with a 4–2 win over Croatia and then a 0–0 draw with Ghana, before securing top spot with a win over Panama. Congo DR, meanwhile, started with a courageous 1-1 draw against Portugal, then suffered a defeat against Colombia, but registered a memorable qualification for the Round of 32 by defeating Uzbekistan.
Starting line-up of both teams
England line-up: Jordan Pickford (goalkeeper), Ezri Konza, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Jade Spence (defender), Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham (midfield) and Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Nonny Maduike (attack).
DR Congo line-up: Lionel Mpasi (goalkeeper); Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku (defenders); Ngalayele Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutosamy, Noah Sadiki (midfield); Brian Sipenga, Yoane Wisa (Attack). (ANI)
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