England World Cup starting 11: Predicted lineup and tactics for DR Congo

England’s World Cup campaign has already had its highs and lows but ultimately, the Three Lions take on DR Congo in the Round of 32 having topped their group and will fancy their chances of going far into the knockouts.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection for this World Cup sparked fierce debate before a ball was kicked – the omissions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire raised eyebrows, while Ivan Toney’s inclusion felt like a wildcard.

A breathless 4-2 win over Croatia in the Dallas heat helped shift the conversation, but a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana raised the questions of why Tuchel left out so many players who were viewed as potential x-factors. England also toiled for much of the Panama game before eventually winning 2-0.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach has favoured an attacking 4-2-3-1, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson anchoring midfield. The former was rested in the Panama game after picking up a knock, but should return for the knockouts.

Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon started the tournament as the playmaking trio behind England’s top goalscorer Harry Kane, although Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka are all vying for game time.

Despite the question marks, England topped their group with seven points, but they will need to show the attacking quality – which was on full display against Croatia – more often. They may face another low block against DR Congo, but should they navigate that tie, the next matchups could favour England more in terms of the openness with which their next opponents play – Mexico lie in wait in the Round of 16 and then Brazil or Norway in the quarters.

Check out our latest World Cup match betting tips and predictions ahead of today’s games

England starting 11 and World Cup 2026 squad: key takeaways

• Saka is playing his way back into contention after his injury – the Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles issue since March, sustained in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. He missed seven games for the Gunners and had his minutes carefully managed through the run-in. He started the Panama game – and provided an assist – but still doesn’t quite look 100%
• Madueke’s importance has grown – with Saka unable to play a major role so far, Madueke’s value to this England squad has increased significantly. He started the first two games and looked the more dangerous of the two wingers, winning the penalty against Croatia.
• Kane’s Golden Boot credentials are already on display – his three goals in the group moved him ahead of Gary Lineker on 11 World Cup goals, and his all-round performance against Croatia in particular – in which he converted a penalty, and a header, and provided intelligent link-up – demonstrated why he remains England’s most important player.
• Defensive vulnerability is the clearest concern – England were breached twice in the first half by Croatia and looked vulnerable on the counter against Ghana. Panama also had a fair few shots at Jordan Pickford’s goal last time out.
• Tuchel’s changes have made an impact – Rashford scored within minutes of replacing Gordon against Croatia, while Saka almost executed a trademark curler against Ghana. The manager’s pattern of 60-minute changes looks set to continue, especially with the heat and travel demands of the group stage.
• Travel and conditions will be a factor – England flew to Dallas for the opener, then to Boston (for Ghana) and then to New Jersey (to face Panama). They’re now heading south again to Atlanta to play DR Congo. Tuchel’s rotation policy will be crucial to keeping the squad fresh.

England 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

Note: Tino Livramento has been replaced by Trevoh Chalobah due to injury – a defender Tuchel knows well from their time together at Chelsea.

How England lined up against Panama

Tuchel rang the changes following the goalless draw with Ghana. There is now a real issue at right back, with Reece James suffering a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah filled in for the Panama game but he too will now miss the DR Congo game after twisting his ankle.

Declan Rice was rested after he picked up a knock against Ghana, that gave Tuchel the chance to tinker – dropping Bellingham back and starting Morgan Rogers in the 10. Bukayo Saka was given his first start as he tries to build up his minutes.

Rice should return for the Round of 32 onwards, and the midfield will revert to its usual shape. It would be no surprise to see Noni Madueke return on the right, but Rashford could retain his spot on the left over the unimpressive Anthony Gordon. Djed Spence is now Tuchel’s only option at right back.

How to Bet on the England Starting 11

The anytime goalscorer market is always popular, and Harry Kane will be the short-price favourite in every group game – his brace against Croatia underlined his reliability, though betting offers vary enough across bookmakers that it is worth comparing odds on Kane before placing.

Jude Bellingham is another attractive option, having netted two of the other three goals England have scored so far. His late runs into the box make him a consistent threat.

For cards, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are the most likely England players to pick up bookings, given their defensive midfield roles and Tuchel’s high-press instructions.

VAR insurance markets – paying out when goals are disallowed – are worth watching after Kane’s penalty in the opener was initially saved before being retaken. Players like Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford, who make frequent runs in behind, could be involved in such incidents.

Is there a chance of England winning World Cup?

England are firmly in the conversation, sitting just behind France, Spain and Argentina at around 7/1 in the outright market, making them one of the leading contenders to lift the trophy in North America this summer.

With a deep, talented squad and a favourable run, the bookmakers’ prices reflect a side many fancy to go all the way, even if recent tournament near-misses keep a question mark over their nerve in the latter stages.

FAQ about the 2026 England World Cup squad

1. Why hasn’t Bukayo Saka been starting?

Saka has been carrying an Achilles issue since March, sustained in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. He missed seven games for Arsenal and had his minutes carefully managed through the run-in.

The decision to start Madueke in two of the three games so far has been a fitness precaution as much as a tactical one, with Saka currently being introduced from the bench in the second half of games.

2. Are there any other injury concerns in the squad?

Reece James is now set to miss at least one if not two knockout games – if England get that far. James has always been injury prone throughout his career and the decision not to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold has become even more of a hot topic in recent days.

It is something of a crisis at that position – Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad just days before the start of the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah was called up in his place, but he is more of a centre back by trade.

3. What’s the squad’s travel schedule?

England are based in Kansas City, Missouri – which the FA chose for its central location and excellent facilities. They’ve played games in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey so far, and are in Atlanta to face DR Congo. If they get through, they’ll be heading to Mexico City to face co-hosts Mexico. For analysis of how the schedule affects England’s chances in each game, see our World Cup tips and predictions.

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