England face DR Congo, looking to secure their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Coming up against one of the tournament’s strongest defenses, fans are keeping a close eye on Harry Kane’s status, as he could once again be the difference-maker. England face DR Congo in the Round of 32. While Thomas Tuchel’s team are one of the tournament’s strongest attacking sides, Sébastien Desabre’s team have been one of the tournament’s best defensive teams. With this in mind, the match could be more competitive than expected, as both styles clash strongly. Because of this, fans are keeping a close eye on Harry Kane‘s status, as he could once again be crucial in front of goal.
Harry Kane is expected to start for England, as he has no injuries or suspensions. As the focal point of the team’s collective play, head coach Thomas Tuchel continues to consider him an undisputed starter. With three goals at the 2026 World Cup, he will be looking to reduce the gap to Lionel Messi in the race to become the tournament’s top scorer. In addition, he is key to creating space against DR Congo‘s solid defense through his attacking movement.
Coupled with Kane, England may bet on Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka on the wings, looking to widen the opposition’s defense. In attacking midfield, Jude Bellingham is expected to start after shining throughout the three group-stage matches. Moreover, the presence of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson is key in midfield, as they can break the defense with their passing and stop counterattacks.
DR Congo have managed to surprise everyone with their performances at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Sébastien Desabre relies on a five-man defensive line, leaving very little space for the opposition. However, they are also very efficient on the counterattack, led by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku. In addition, Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu can cause problems by dominating the opposition’s penalty area and scoring key goals.
Harry Kane of England
England predicted lineup vs DR Congo
As one of the tournament’s best teams, England come into the match as the clear favorites to defeat DR Congo. However, Thomas Tuchel has the significant absence of Reece James through injury. As a result, Jarell Quansah is expected to play once again at right-back. In addition, Marcus Rashford could return to the starting lineup, having proven to be a difference-maker against defensive teams. Nevertheless, Harry Kane remains the team’s focal point.
Considering this, England could lineup as follows: Jordan Pickford; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.
DR Congo predicted lineup vs England
DR Congo managed to surprise everyone by qualifying for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. For the clash against England, head coach Sébastien Desabre could once again rely on a five-man defense to close down space. However, the key to the match will be the wing-backs, as they must be crucial in exploiting the space behind the opposition. In addition, Bakambu and Wissa need to be clinical in front of goal.
With this in mind, DR Congo could play as follows: Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Edo Kayembe; Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.