England lineup changes have reshaped the squad structure ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against DR Congo, with manager Thomas Tuchel implementing key tactical adjustments.
Most interesting is the return to the XI of Declan Rice, who will be called up to help with midfield control and defensive transition. His move is at the cost of Morgan Rogers, who has been transferred back to the bench as Tuchel prioritizes experience in a knockout situation.
To add to the variation, Noni Madueke has replaced Bukayo Saka on the wing and brought in a new style of attack which is more direct and to the wing. The defense has been split with Djed Spence being used at right back, due to injury policy amongst the squad.
England, meanwhile, are short of both Jarell Quansah and Reece James, who were ruled out through injury before their clash. They have left them with the backline needing to adapt, as they have less natural depth in the right-back role. Both are coming back, Quansah is slightly ahead, Tuchel said, adding that neither was considered ready to play yet.
DR Congo have only changed one thing in their ranks, they have brought on Ngalayel Mukau for Cedric Bakambu. The switch is regarded as a sign of their competitiveness as they had performed well in the group stage of the tournament, including a draw with the Portugal national football team.
Strategically, the team changes and tactics are reset at the same time, so that the England team could be viewed as a mix of both. How well they implement those decisions could be essential in their run to the knockout stage.
