England face DR Congo test as rights-back crunch narrows

What's happened

England has a last-32 World Cup clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Noni Madueke says England cannot underestimate DR Congo, and injuries to right-backs complicate Thomas Tuchel’s plans as he searches for a trusted lineup.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• Tuchel’s rotation is tested as injuries strip England of regular right-back options. Djed Spence is likely to start if Quansah cannot play, with Ezri Konsa or John Stones covering the back line if needed.
• Jude Bellingham has emerged as a key influence, having scored against Panama and provided an assist while reaffirming his role in a flexible midfield/attack blueprint.
• The team’s ability to break down low blocks remains a concern; a fluent attacking plan is essential if they face a compact DR Congo setup.
• Expect tactical shifts to protect vulnerable full-backs, potentially leveraging cross-field outlets and set-piece variation to unlock a stubborn defense.

How we got here

England progressed from Group L with seven points, but injuries to Reece James, Jarell Quansah and Tino Livramento have strained Tuchel’s defensive options. Quansah’s ankle twist and James’s hamstring strain have forced tactical adjustments and a potential reshuffle at right-back ahead of the last-32 tie in Atlanta.

Our analysis

The Guardian: Madueke warns England not to underestimate DR Congo; Quansah and James injuries threaten right-back options. Independent highlights Tuchel’s injury woes and Kane/Bellingham impact. Guardian reports on James’ hamstring setback and Spence’s likely role. Other outlets note the broader injury crisis and Tuchel’s adjustments.

Go deeper

• Will England reload their wing-back strategy if James is unavailable?
• Who starts at right-back if Quansah is sidelined?
• Can England finally unlock DR Congo’s low-block defence?

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