England kick off their World Cup knockout campaign against DR Congo in Atlanta, with Thomas Tuchel making three changes to the side that beat Panama 2-0. Djed Spence, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke come into the starting XI, while Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka drop out. The winner of this round-of-32 tie will face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca in Mexico City.
Team news and line-ups
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane. DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mbuku, Mukau; Cipenga, Wissa.
Five DR Congo players ply their trade in England: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Arthur Masuaku (West Ham), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) and Yoane Wissa (Newcastle). Captain Chancel Mbemba spent three years at Newcastle before moving to Lille.
Tuchel explains changes
Thomas Tuchel has shuffled his pack again, with England yet to name an unchanged XI at this World Cup. Djed Spence starts at right-back after Jarell Quansah's injury, while Declan Rice returns in midfield, allowing Jude Bellingham to move back to the No.10 role. Noni Madueke replaces Bukayo Saka on the right, with Saka's Achilles issue still a concern. Marcus Rashford keeps his place on the left.
Chief Football Writer John Cross said: "Thomas Tuchel has absolutely done the right thing with Djed Spence at right back. The real surprise for me was Noni Madueke over Bukayo Saka but that says to me that Tuchel does not think Saka is fully fit."
What's at stake
England are looking to avoid becoming the latest high-profile casualty after Germany and Netherlands crashed out at this stage. The Three Lions have been far from their best so far, but a win would set up a round-of-16 clash with Mexico at the Azteca, 2,240m above sea level. DR Congo have already shown they are no pushovers, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in the group stage.
Referee Adham Makhadmeh of Jordan will take charge, assisted by Mohammad Al-Kalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle.
Fans and atmosphere
Thousands of England fans have descended on Atlanta, with many attending a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and St Louis Cardinals the night before. England supporter Gary Graham, 62, from Rochdale, said: "It's certainly a bit cheaper than watching England! I had no idea whatsoever what was going on but it was great fun all the same."
Scotland fans were also spotted inside the stadium supporting DR Congo. Jim Simpson, 65, from Motherwell, said: "We got tickets before we knew England would be played here. Of course we want Congo to win! Come on Congo!"
The temperature outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is scorching, but inside the air-conditioned venue it is much cooler. England fans are overwhelming in number, with Mexican shirts also spotted among the crowd as locals soak up the atmosphere.
