World Cup 2026: Declan Rice is set to start for England against DR Congo

Declan Rice is expected to be available to start England’s World Cup last-32 tie with DR Congo on Wednesday.

The key midfielder was rested 2-0 win over Panama After taking a heavy blow in the calf Goalless draw with Ghana last tuesday

Rice, 27, did not complete the full training schedule before the win over Panama, although he returned in time for the team’s final session before the trip to New Jersey.

In Rice’s absence, Thomas Tuchel started with a midfield of Elliott Anderson and Judd Bellingham.

But the England manager is hopeful that the Arsenal midfielder can return to the starting XI for the knockout match against DR Congo in Atlanta.

England manager Tuchel’s biggest injury concerns heading into the knockout rounds are Reece James and Jarrell Quansah.

Chelsea full-back James missed the win against Panama with a hamstring injury against Ghana.

While Tuchel is not ruling James out for the DR Congo game, it is understood the right-back is likely to return to action after the tournament.