Declan Rice is expected to start for England in Wednesday’s World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta – but Thomas Tuchel’s biggest headache remains a depleted right‑back position that has left his defence badly exposed.
The Arsenal midfielder was rested for the 2‑0 win over Panama after a heavy blow to the calf in the 0‑0 draw with Ghana. He returned in time for the final training session before the team travelled to New Jersey and is now set to line up against Congo’s Yoane Wissa, whose double helped the African side secure a historic first World Cup win.
“England face DR Congo in World Cup last 32 after their first ever win; Tuchel grappling with right‑back injury crisis.”
Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3‑1. Eldor Shomurodov lobbed Lionel Mpasi after 10 minutes, but Wissa equalised from the penalty spot following a rash challenge by Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov. Fiston Mayele then flicked home to put Congo ahead before Wissa curled a stoppage‑time third. “The World Cup is brutal,” said Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, whose team exited the tournament.
Sébastien Desabre, the Congo head coach, said: “We’ll start work immediately on preparing. We’ve got a few players in the squad who play at clubs in the English league, so they will help us, but we’ll prepare in the best way we can for what is going to be a very big match for us.” Congo’s pre‑tournament preparations were disrupted by an Ebola outbreak at home, forcing the squad to train in Belgium before travelling to North America via Paris.
Tuchel’s injury concerns come from Reece James and Jarell Quansah. James damaged a hamstring against Ghana and missed the Panama match; Quansah deputised at right‑back but then suffered an ankle injury. Tuchel admitted the Bayer Leverkusen defender’s comeback will be “very tight”. With Tino Livramento already ruled out by a calf problem, Djed Spence – who replaced Quansah against Panama – is the likely starter, though Tuchel could deploy centre‑back Ezri Konsa on the flank.
Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, the Lille defender with 112 caps, warned: “We know full well that we will be up against a top team. We know all about the qualities of the next opponent. We need to recover well, but we will keep working hard to be ready.” Desabre added: “It was all about sacrifice. And we continue to have belief in our ability. To tell you the truth, I’m delighted for the lads. They’ve been working on this project for the last four years. So I’m incredibly proud of them.”
England finished top of their group ahead of Croatia and Ghana. But with two right‑backs doubtful and a Congo side that has nothing to lose, Wednesday’s showdown in front of nearly 70,000 fans in Atlanta – many of them Congolese – promises to test Tuchel’s squad depth to its limit.