England's first knockout game at the 2026 World Cup sees them take on DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.
After a promising start with a 4-2 win against Croatia, England have been underwhelming in their two outings since, being held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana before needing an hour to get off the mark in the 2-0 win over Panama.
Marcus Rashford, who came off the bench to score against Croatia, was given the nod to start against Panama and is expected to retain his place.
Bukayo Saka is set to miss out as he continues to manage his game time following his Achilles injury suffered on club duty earlier in the year with Arsenal team mate Noni Madueke recalled.
Morgan Rogers, who was largely ineffectual against Panama, is set to the bench for Declan Rice, who was on a yellow card for the Panama game and is nursing a hamstring complaint of his own, with Jude Bellingham returning to his more familiar number 10 role.
The Athletic's David Ornstein posted on X: "Marcus Rashford set to keep place over Anthony Gordon for England against DR Congo in #FIFAWorldCup last-32. Noni Madueke back as Bukayo Saka continues to manage fitness, Declan Rice replaces Morgan Rogers & Djed Spence starts as expected."
England suffered a further blow at right-back with Jarell Quansah going off with an ankle injury against Panama. Reece James is expected to be out for at least another week after suffering a hamstring injury against Ghana, meaning Djed Spece, who replaced Quansah, is set to deputise at right-back with Ezri Konsa remaining at centre-back alongside Marc Guehi.
Expected England team to face DR Congo
Pickford, Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane
