Overview
- England confirmed Djed Spence in the starting right-back role for their World Cup round-of-32 match with DR Congo on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- The selection follows Jarell Quansah’s ankle twist and Reece James’s ongoing hamstring issue, problems the manager says forced the change and that the staff must now manage.
- Thomas Tuchel also restored Declan Rice to midfield, moved Jude Bellingham to a No.10 role, and chose Noni Madueke over Bukayo Saka in the attacking three behind Harry Kane.
- Pundits warned that Spence, who is normally used as a left-sided, attack-minded full-back, could be exposed defensively if he remains a starter and that the pick preserves Tuchel’s preferred central pairing of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.
- DR Congo named Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa in their XI, and an England win in Atlanta would send them to Mexico City to face the host nation at the Estadio Azteca.