Get ready for a mouth-watering showdown as England kick off their World Cup knockout stage campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, 1 July at the Atlanta Stadium. The Three Lions have earned their stripes in Group L with two convincing victories and a solid draw – Croatia (4-2), Panama (2-0) and Ghana's goalless stalemate – leaving them poised to pounce on opponents' weaknesses.
But manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a crisis at the back, with Chelsea captain Reece James already ruled out, joined by Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah who hobbled off during England's Panama win. And it gets worse – Tino Livramento's earlier departure means Tuchel's options for right-back are dwindling fast.
Looks like Tuchel will need to think outside the box and deploy some makeshift heroes! Djed Spence might get the nod at right-back, while Ezri Konsa could swap centre-back duties with John Stones, sending shockwaves through the DR Congo ranks. In midfield, Declan Rice is set to return to his usual spot, but Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford will be itching for a start after their star turns in England's final group stage match.
England's attacking duo – Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham – have been the driving force behind six goals scored so far. Bellingham has already shown he's a match-winner twice, while Kane is as deadly as ever. And what's this? Squad chemistry that's miles ahead of Euro 2020! It's like they're playing with a new script.
But England won't underestimate DR Congo's pluckiness – the Africans have given Portugal and Colombia a run for their money, after all. They'll be looking to Premier League stalwarts Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Yoane Wissa to lead the charge against the Three Lions.
A win over DR Congo will send England into a thrilling showdown with Mexico in the round of 16 – and that's no easy task! The co-hosts are bracing themselves for their Estadio Azteca clash on Sunday, 5 July (Monday, 6 July local time), fresh from their 2-0 win over Ecuador.