England vs DR Congo - Predicted lineup and team news

England will host DR Congo at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday evening in the World Cup last 32, aiming to reach the round of 16. The Three Lions, who topped Group L, arrive with a strong incentive after a group stage that left supporters questioning whether the squad’s individual talent was fully utilized. DR Congo, the tournament’s highest-ranked third-place qualifier, enter the tie as a difficult opponent. Injury news is dominated by the right-back situation: Reece James is ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Jarell Quansah is a doubt after rolling his ankle against Panama. Djed Spence is expected to start. Declan Rice is expected to return after resting a calf injury, restoring England’s midfield with Elliot Anderson, while Kobbie Mainoo remains on the bench. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are expected to start with Harry Kane, who has three group goals, leading the line. The match kicks off at 17:00 BST and airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.