England vs DR Congo Lineups: Predicted Starting XI, Team News and Tactical Setup

Summary

England vs DR Congo lineups will be one of the biggest talking points before this FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match. England are expected to control possession, but their right-back situation has become a major concern after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. DR Congo, also searched as DRC, Congo DR and Democratic Republic of Congo, are likely to focus on compact defending, physical duels and quick transitions. This article covers the predicted England lineup, predicted DR Congo lineup, team news, tactical setup, substitutes to watch and key matchups. For the full match preview, odds and score forecast, read the main hub article: England vs DR Congo Prediction: World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview, Lineups, Odds and Score Forecast.

England vs DR Congo Lineups Overview

England vs DR Congo is expected to be a match between England’s possession quality and DR Congo’s compact defensive structure.

England should have more of the ball, more attacking territory and more individual quality. However, the lineup balance will matter. If England select an aggressive front line but leave space behind the full-backs, DR Congo can counter through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.

DR Congo are unlikely to dominate possession. Their lineup should be built around defensive discipline, physical strength and transition outlets. A back five or flexible defensive shape would make sense, especially against England’s wide players.

The main lineup questions are:

Who starts at right-back for England?

Does Declan Rice return to midfield?

Does England start Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer or Noni Madueke?

Does DR Congo use a 5-3-2 or a more open 4-4-2?

How much attacking risk will DR Congo take from the start?

England Team News Before DR Congo Match

England’s biggest concern is the right-back position.

Reece James has been dealing with a hamstring issue, while Jarell Quansah also picked up an ankle problem during the group-stage win over Panama. That leaves Djed Spence as the most natural option to start at right-back.

This matters because DR Congo will almost certainly look for transition chances into wide spaces. If England’s right side is not balanced, DR Congo may target that channel early.

Declan Rice is another important name. If he starts, England should have better control of second balls and more protection against counterattacks. His presence would also allow Jude Bellingham to play with more freedom between midfield and attack.

England’s front line is also competitive. Harry Kane should lead the attack, while Bukayo Saka is expected to be a strong option on the right. Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke may compete for the other attacking roles.

Predicted England Lineup

England are likely to use a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape.

Predicted England starting XI:

Jordan Pickford;

Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly;

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers;

Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.

Possible formation: 4-3-3

This lineup gives England balance. Spence provides a natural right-back option. Rice protects midfield. Bellingham gives forward running. Saka and Rashford provide width and direct threat around Kane.

However, England could still adjust depending on fitness and tactical preference. Phil Foden or Cole Palmer could start if England want more creativity between the lines. Noni Madueke could be used if England want more pace and one-on-one attacking from the right.

England Predicted Lineup by Position

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford is expected to start in goal.

Pickford remains England’s most reliable tournament goalkeeper. His shot-stopping, long distribution and experience in knockout matches make him the clear choice.

Defence

England’s predicted back four is Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly.

The right-back role is the key issue. Spence is the most likely starter because England are short of natural options in that position. Konsa and Guéhi should provide central defensive stability, while O’Reilly can give England balance on the left.

England must be careful with full-back positioning. If both full-backs push too high at the same time, DR Congo can attack the space behind them.

Midfield

The predicted midfield is Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.

Rice gives England security. Bellingham gives ball-carrying power, late runs and box presence. Rogers can help connect midfield to attack and support combinations in the final third.

This midfield should be strong enough to control possession, but the key is tempo. England cannot simply pass sideways. They need vertical movement and quick switches of play.

Attack

The predicted front three is Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford.

Kane is the central reference point. Saka gives one-on-one quality and left-footed threat from the right. Rashford gives speed, direct running and space attack from the left.

If England need more creativity, Foden or Palmer could start or enter early. If England need more direct pressure late, Madueke is a strong substitute option.

DR Congo Team News Before England Match

DR Congo enter this match as dangerous underdogs.

They are not expected to make the game open from the start. Their best chance is to stay compact, frustrate England and look for quick breaks. That means their lineup will likely prioritize defensive structure and transition speed.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the most interesting names in the DR Congo squad because of his English football background and defensive strength. Chancel Mbemba brings leadership and organization. Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu give the team attacking outlets.

DR Congo’s main question is the shape. A 5-3-2 would make sense if they want to protect wide areas and crowd the box. A 4-4-2 could give them more direct pressure, but it may leave more space for England between the lines.

Predicted DR Congo Lineup

DR Congo are likely to use a 5-3-2 shape against England.

Predicted DR Congo starting XI:

Lionel Mpasi;

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi;

Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Noah Sadiki;

Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu.

Possible formation: 5-3-2

This lineup gives DR Congo defensive numbers, wide coverage and two forwards for counterattacks. It also allows Wan-Bissaka and Masuaku to defend wide areas while still offering outlets when DR Congo win the ball.

If DR Congo fall behind, the structure could shift toward a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. If they keep the score level, they may stay compact for as long as possible.

DR Congo Predicted Lineup by Position

Goalkeeper

Lionel Mpasi is expected to start in goal.

He could be one of the most important players for DR Congo. England are likely to create pressure, so Mpasi must handle crosses, save from distance and control the tempo when DR Congo need to slow the match down.

Defence

DR Congo’s predicted defensive line includes Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku and Steve Kapuadi.

This structure gives DR Congo a strong defensive block. Mbemba is the organizer. Wan-Bissaka can handle one-on-one defending. Masuaku provides experience and width. Tuanzebe and Kapuadi add physical presence.

The most important defensive task will be controlling Kane’s movement and preventing Saka from isolating defenders too often.

Midfield

The predicted midfield three is Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe and Noah Sadiki.

This midfield needs to be disciplined. Their job is not just to win the ball, but to block passing lanes into Bellingham and Kane. If they allow England too much space between midfield and defence, the match could become difficult quickly.

They also need to release the ball quickly after recoveries. DR Congo’s best chances may come from the first pass after winning possession.

Attack

Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu are expected to lead the attack.

Wissa gives pace and movement. Bakambu gives experience and finishing. They may not get many chances, but they can still decide the match if England lose concentration.

Their job is to stretch England’s centre-backs, attack space behind the full-backs and make every counterattack count.

England Formation Analysis

England’s 4-3-3 can become a 2-3-5 in possession.

When England attack, the full-backs may push higher, Rice may sit in front of the centre-backs, and Bellingham may move closer to Kane. Saka and Rashford can stretch the pitch, while Kane can drop between the lines.

This setup can create overloads, but it also carries risk. If Spence pushes too high and England lose the ball, DR Congo can attack the channel behind him. That is why Rice’s positioning will be crucial.

England need to avoid slow possession. The best way to break DR Congo down is through quick switches, third-man runs and combinations around Kane.

DR Congo Formation Analysis

DR Congo’s 5-3-2 is likely to become a 5-4-1 at times without the ball.

One forward may drop deeper to help midfield, while the wing-backs protect the wide channels. This can make the pitch very narrow and difficult for England to attack through the middle.

The advantage of this setup is defensive security. The risk is that DR Congo may become too passive. If they defend too deep for too long, England can build pressure and win set pieces.

DR Congo need to find balance. They must defend compactly, but they also need enough attacking threat to make England respect the counterattack.

Key Lineup Battle: England Right Side vs DR Congo Left Side

The most important lineup battle may be England’s right side.

If Djed Spence starts at right-back with Saka ahead of him, England can create speed and width. However, DR Congo may see this side as a possible target because of England’s injury situation.

DR Congo could attack this area through Wissa’s runs, Masuaku’s experience and quick switches after winning the ball.

For England, the solution is balance. Spence must choose the right moments to advance. Saka must help with counter-pressing. Rice must cover the space behind them.

If England control this zone, they should control the match. If DR Congo find space there, the game could become uncomfortable.

Key Lineup Battle: Kane vs Mbemba

Harry Kane against Chancel Mbemba is another major matchup.

Kane will not stay fixed in the penalty area. He will drop deep, link play and try to create space for runners. Mbemba must decide whether to follow him or hold the defensive line.

If Mbemba follows Kane too far, Bellingham and Rashford can attack the space behind. If Mbemba stays too deep, Kane can receive between the lines and dictate play.

This duel could define how many clear chances England create.

Key Lineup Battle: Bellingham Between the Lines

Jude Bellingham may be the player DR Congo fear most.

His late runs, strength and confidence make him difficult to track. DR Congo’s midfield must prevent him from receiving the ball in dangerous central areas.

If Bellingham gets space, England can speed up the attack quickly. If DR Congo crowd him out, England may need Foden, Palmer or Madueke to add another creative spark.

Substitutes Who Could Change the Game

Phil Foden

Phil Foden can change the game if England need more creativity. He can operate between the lines, combine in tight spaces and pull defenders out of shape.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer gives England calm decision-making, left-footed creativity and penalty-box composure. He is a strong option if England need precision late in the match.

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke can bring direct dribbling and pace. If DR Congo’s defenders tire, Madueke could be dangerous in one-on-one situations.

Cédric Bakambu

If Bakambu starts, he is already central to DR Congo’s plan. If he is used as a second-half weapon, his experience and finishing can still matter.

Aaron Tshibola

Aaron Tshibola could give DR Congo extra midfield energy if the match becomes physically demanding.

How the Lineups Affect the Match Prediction

The lineups point toward an England-controlled match, but not necessarily an easy one.

England should dominate possession and territory. DR Congo should defend deep and look for transition chances. The outcome may depend on whether England score early.

If England score in the first half, DR Congo may need to open up, creating more space for Kane, Saka and Rashford.

If DR Congo keep the score 0-0 into the second half, England may become frustrated. That would make substitutes and set pieces more important.

The predicted lineups support a score forecast of:

England 2-0 DR Congo

Alternative score:

England 2-1 DR Congo

Upset scenario:

England 1-1 DR Congo after 90 minutes

For the full score forecast and odds breakdown, read: England vs DR Congo Prediction: World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview, Lineups, Odds and Score Forecast.

Prediction Market Angle

Lineups can strongly affect prediction markets.

If England start Rice, Bellingham, Saka and Kane together, the England-to-qualify angle becomes stronger. If England’s right-back situation looks unstable, DR Congo’s counterattack angle becomes more interesting.

Possible prediction-market angles include:

England to qualify.

England to win in 90 minutes.

England 2-0 correct score.

England 2-1 correct score.

Under 3.5 goals.

Harry Kane to score.

Bukayo Saka assist angle.

DR Congo to keep the match close in the first half.

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Final Lineup Verdict

England should have the stronger starting XI, but their lineup is not without questions.

The right-back position is the main concern. Djed Spence may be the natural solution, but DR Congo will likely test that side. Declan Rice’s role will also be crucial because he must protect against transitions and help England control the midfield.

DR Congo’s lineup should be compact and physical. A 5-3-2 shape gives them defensive stability and allows Wissa and Bakambu to remain ready for counterattacks.

Best predicted England lineup:

Jordan Pickford;

Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly;

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers;

Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.

Best predicted DR Congo lineup:

Lionel Mpasi;

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi;

Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Noah Sadiki;

Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu.

Final lineup-based prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo

For the complete match hub, visit: England vs DR Congo Prediction: World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview, Lineups, Odds and Score Forecast.

FAQ

What are the predicted England vs DR Congo lineups?

England are expected to start with Jordan Pickford, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford. DR Congo are expected to use a compact lineup with Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Noah Sadiki, Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.

Who will start at right-back for England vs DR Congo?

Djed Spence is the most likely right-back starter because Reece James and Jarell Quansah have injury concerns.

What formation will England use against DR Congo?

England are likely to use a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape, with Harry Kane leading the attack and Jude Bellingham supporting from midfield.

What formation will DR Congo use against England?

DR Congo are likely to use a 5-3-2 shape, focused on compact defending and quick counterattacks.

Will Declan Rice start for England?

Declan Rice is expected to be an important midfield option. If he starts, England should have better defensive balance and transition control.

Who are the key players in the England lineup?

England’s key players are Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford.

Who are the key players in the DR Congo lineup?

DR Congo’s key players are Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lionel Mpasi.

Can England’s lineup break down DR Congo’s defence?

Yes, but England need quick ball movement, strong wide play and better creativity between the lines. If possession becomes slow, DR Congo can make the game difficult.

Can DR Congo’s lineup cause problems for England?

Yes. DR Congo can cause problems if they stay compact, win second balls and counter quickly into the spaces behind England’s full-backs.

Where can I read the full England vs DR Congo prediction?

You can read the full match preview here: England vs DR Congo Prediction: World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview, Lineups, Odds and Score Forecast.