Djed Spence starts at right-back for England against DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 today, as Thomas Tuchel reshuffles his defence due to injuries. The Tottenham defender is drafted in after Reece James and Jarell Quansah were both ruled out of the knockout tie in Atlanta.
James, the Chelsea captain, also missed the final Group L fixture against Panama on Saturday with a hamstring issue. Quansah limped off in the second half of that match with an ankle problem. Tino Livramento had already dropped out of England’s World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament with a calf injury.
Tuchel’s defensive dilemma
James has a history of injury and had started both of England’s first two games at the tournament. Tuchel turned to Spence — who is in the squad primarily as a left-back and played there against Ghana — rather than shifting centre-back Ezri Konsa to the right and bringing John Stones back in the middle.
“A classic ankle twist and he is in pain,” Tuchel said of Quansah’s injury. “He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.”
“Naturally, of course [I am worried about the right-back situation]. We have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do,” Tuchel added.
Midfield and attack
In midfield, Declan Rice is back after he was handed a rest against Panama following a calf issue and suspension risk. That sees Jude Bellingham — used as a No8 in Rice’s absence — shift up and return to the No10 role.
Tuchel has gone for Noni Madueke over Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka on the right wing and Marcus Rashford over Anthony Gordon on the left, in support of captain and striker Harry Kane.
England XI and match details
England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Injured: James, Quansah.
Time and date: 5pm BST on Wednesday July 1, 2026.
Venue: Atlanta Stadium.
How to watch: BBC One.
