Thomas Tuchel has revealed a new message to his England squad as they prepare for the knockout rounds of the World Cup — a path that begins in Atlanta against DR Congo but could quickly lead to a daunting date with altitude and co-hosts Mexico.
England topped Group L with seven points, beating Croatia and Panama after a draw with Ghana, but were rarely at their fluent best. Their reward is a last-32 tie against DR Congo, who finished third in Group K and boast significant Premier League experience in Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley centre-back Axel Tuanzebe and Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku.
“Thomas Tuchel has addressed his England squad as they prepare for their World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo.”
The Leopards are the first team from Sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for a World Cup — in 1974 under the name Zaire — and are now competing in the knockout stages for the first time.
If England progress, they could face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 at Mexico City's 87,500-capacity Estadio Azteca. Mexico are one of only three teams to win all three group fixtures, have not lost a competitive match since a 2-0 defeat by Honduras in November 2024, and have played all their games on home soil. The Azteca sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level, causing shortness of breath, increased heart rate and fatigue for unaccustomed players.
Ecuador, who could also await in that round, have not conceded more than one goal in any match in over two years — a 26-game run.
Tuchel's side will need to navigate those obstacles to reach their third major tournament final of the decade. But first, they must dispatch DR Congo in Atlanta.