England take on DR Congo in World Cup last 32 amid right-back shortage and a path through Mexico, Brazil and Argentina

Match preview

England begin their knockout campaign at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, facing a DR Congo side that reached the last 32 for the first time in 52 years. Kick-off is 5pm BST (noon ET). Thomas Tuchel will field a team depleted at right-back, where injuries to Tino Livramento, Reece James and Jarell Quansah have forced Djed Spence, ordinarily a left-back, across the defence. Declan Rice returns to midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, freeing Jude Bellingham to support Harry Kane alongside Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has built a stubborn 5-3-2 system that averages only 38.8% possession, compared to England's 65.7%. After drawing with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, losing narrowly to Colombia and beating debutants Uzbekistan 3-1, the Leopards enter the knockout phase as the highest-ranked third-placed team.

There are injuries, there's no point dwelling on it and focusing on the problem.

What's at stake

The winners meet co-hosts Mexico, who eliminated Ecuador 2-0, in a last-16 tie at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July. That high-altitude fixture would likely precede a quarter-final against Brazil, provided the Seleção overcome Erling Haaland's Norway. Argentina, inspired by a flawless group stage from Lionel Messi, await in the semi-finals, with top-ranked Spain projected as final opponent on the other side of the draw.

Defensive puzzle

DR Congo defend deep but press high from goal-kicks against dominant opponents, holding a higher line than their possession figure suggests. They aggressively target the ball carrier and nearby team-mates, a quirk England will look to exploit through Bellingham's creativity and Saka's width. Only Ghana averaged less group-stage possession, so Tuchel's men must break down another compact block.

Officiating team

Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh referees his third match of this World Cup, having already handled Spain vs Cape Verde and Belgium's 5-1 win over New Zealand. He is assisted by countrymen Mohammad Al-Kalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle. Qatari Khamis Al-Marri leads the VAR team, supported by Mohammed Obaid of the UAE and American Joe Dickerson.