England vs DR Congo LIVE: World Cup 2026 build-up with Bukayo Saka on the bench

England

take on DR Congo with a place in the last 16 of the

World Cup

up for grabs in Atlanta this evening.

It wasn’t always pretty, but the Three Lions did what was asked of them in the group stages of the competition, reaching the round of 32 stage

with victory over Panama at the weekend.

Thomas Tuchel

’s side have had to be patient in their last two games against resilient defences and may face a similar challenge tonight against a DR Congo side who held

Portugal

to a draw in their opening match of the tournament.

The England boss also has a dilemma to solve at right-back with

Reece James

and

Jarell Quansah

ruled out.

Matchday in the A 👋

pic.twitter.com/VFCyJccqqB

— England (@England)

July 1, 2026

Rashford will start ahead of Gordon in Atlanta (Picture: Getty)

Madueke is expected to start on the right in place of Saka (Picture: Getty)

(Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

(Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Home

divider

Sport

Football

Related topics

England men's football team

Gary Neville says only one team can stop France winning World Cup

Channel: Football

14 hours ago

By

Phil Haigh

Roy Keane names his two World Cup favourites: 'They will meet in the final'

27 minutes ago

Ben Fleming