Rice Returns as England Make Three Changes for DR Congo Clash
England made three changes to its lineup, with Rice fit to start despite ongoing neural hamstring pain, manager Thomas Tuchel said.
- On Wednesday, England manager Thomas Tuchel recalled Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to the starting lineup for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Congo at Atlanta Stadium.
- Tuchel made three total changes to the squad, benching Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke, as Rice returns to midfield after missing the Panama victory to manage fitness concerns.
- Calling the 27-year-old 'one of the best midfielders,' Tuchel confirmed to the BBC that Rice is "fit to start," while Tottenham's Djed Spence replaces injured Jarell Quansah at right-back.
- Congo coach Sebastian Desabre made one adjustment following the 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, bringing in midfielder Ngalayel Mukau to replace forward Cedric Bakambu for the knockout stage.
- England finished Group L with seven points, matching their best-ever World Cup group-stage tally achieved in 2006 and 2022, setting up a decisive knockout-stage encounter.
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14 Articles
Rice returns as England make three changes for DR Congo clash
FIFA World Cup 2026: Rice, Rashford start for England, Saka on bench; Congo DR make one change
Ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Congo DR in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Three Lions have made a total of three changes in their starting lineup as head coach Thomas Tuchel has brought back Arsenal's Declan Rice, replacing Morgan Rogers in the midfield.
“We have the strength and the quality” - David James says England should try midfielder in new position during FIFA World Cup clash vs DR Congo
Former England goalkeeper David James reckons England should play midfielder Declan Rice at right-back in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with DR Congo tonight (July 1) at Dallas Stadium, Ar
Declan Rice explains 'strange' injury he's managing at the World Cup
England will call upon Declan Rice again on Wednesday (Picture: Getty Images) Declan Rice is set to return to the England starting XI against DR Congo on Wednesday as he continues to manage a ‘strange’ fitness issue. The Arsenal midfielder started the thrilling win over Croatia and the goalless dud against Ghana, but was left out of the 2-0 victory over Panama in the final group stage game. The 27-year-old played 55 games for the Gunners last se…
Will the World Cup lose another European powerhouse after Germany and the Netherlands? DR Congo is looking to cause an upset against England. Watch the match from 6 PM.
England's lineups for the 2026 World Cup round of 32 against DR Congo have been officially released. Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane are in the starting lineups for the Three Lions.
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