Thomas Tuchel makes huge Marcus Rashford call ahead of DR Congo clash

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The Peoples Person

1 July 2026

England boss Thomas Tuchel has made a big selection call on

Manchester United

forward

Marcus Rashford

ahead of the crucial game against DR Congo later today.

Rashford

earned his place in Tuchel’s 2026 England

World Cup

squad following

a stellar campaign with Barcelona.

He plundered 14 goals and as many assists across all competitions, helping the Blaugrana to retain their La Liga crown.

Yet, Tuchel opted for Anthony Gordon during England’s opener against Croatia. Rashford came on from the bench and scored to secure a 4-2 victory for the Three Lions.

Tuchel opted to keep faith with Gordon against Ghana, a decision that ultimately bore little fruit as the former Newcastle winger toiled. Rashford’s late introduction offered a glimmer of improvement, yet England could not find a way through as the game finished goalless.

As if he had finally seen sense, Tuchel started Rashford in the Panama game, which England won 2-0, confirming their place in the Round of 32.

Now, David Ornstein has confirmed that Rashford will be in the starting XI when England face DR Congo in Atlanta.

Ornstein writes for

The Athletic

, “Marcus Rashford will keep his place when England take on DR Congo in the

round of 32 later today.”

“The

forward started and impressed in the final group-stage game against Panama and remains in the starting XI chosen by Thomas Tuchel, preferred over Anthony Gordon.”

“Noni Madueke also starts with Bukayo Saka continuing to manage his fitness. Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice returns to the side after sitting out Saturday’s match.”

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers was handed a start against Panama, but he is set to drop back down to the bench for the meeting with DR Congo.

Tottenham Hotspur ace Djed Spence is also poised to start, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah ruled out through injury.

Should England beat DR Congo, a tasty last-16 contest against Mexico at Estadio Azteca awaits them.

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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