England vs DR Congo LIVE: Thomas Tuchel makes Declan Rice call after injury update

England vs DR Congo LIVE: Thomas Tuchel makes Declan Rice call after injury update England kick-off their World Cup knockout campaign by facing DR Congo in Atlanta, as Thomas Tuchel's side bid to reach the round of 16, where they'd face co-hosts Mexico Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his side as England look to avoid becoming the latest high-profile casualty at the World Cup. The Three Lions take on DR Congo in Atlanta, with Djed Spence, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke back in the starting XI. The African nation are England's opponents in the round of 32, but have shown that they're no pushovers, having held Portugal to a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament. Thomas Tuchel's side have questions to answer after looking nowhere near their peak so far this summer. Most recently, England saw off Panama but Tuchel is still looking to get the best out of his talented squad. England will be looking for a stress-free afternoon in Georgia having already seen European heavyweights Germany and Netherlands crash out at this stage. Our chief reporter, John Cross, and football reporter Ryan Taylor will be inside Atlanta Stadium to bring you the latest news and information. Stay tuned as Mirror Football brings you all of the build-up to the 5pm kick-off. Key Events There has been a bit of debate about England's number one during the early part of the tournament. But Tuchel, like his predecessor Southgate is in no doubt. Tonight's game will be his 30TH consecutive major competition start. His wife Megan Davison is in the crowd to soak it all in. Nothing gets the stadium going like a quick blast of Sweet Caroline. The support that follows England is amazing and today it is astonishing - must be 80 per cent of the fans in the stadium. The cost to do this trip is amazing. Fans brilliantly behaved and from all sorts of places across the world - including England of course! The profile of the England fan has changed in this World Cup. Quite a few ex-pats, families and maybe a few more corporate. That is for obvious reasons but in Atlanta last night there were so many fans from great clubs like Bradford, Brighton... the list is endless. All bases covered which just highlights the effort fans from all over have made such an effort. There was a wonderful colourful and loud pocket of DR Congo fans cheering as the names of their team are read out. Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets a huge cheer - I bet he'd have a chance for England if he had not switched allegiances. Yoan Wissa, their big hope and dangerman, gets a great roar. Congo boss Sebastien Desabre spoke about being motivated against England, Premier League stars and being well prepared. They are really up for this. They made life hard for Portugal - so don't expect anything other than a nervous difficult game. While supporters are filtering into the Atlanta Stadium, fans are also cramming into venues up and down the nation to watch the game on big screens. Boxpark Shoreditch is always home to viral celebrations, but for now they are just warming up for kick off. 20 minutes to go Jarell Quansah was expected to miss tonight's fixture after picking up an ankle injury against Panama. But the defender has been named among England's substitutes. Reece James, however, remains sidelined because of a hamstring injury but could return for the potential clash with Mexico. Referee Adham Makhadmeh of Jordan will be in charge of tonight's game. He'll be assisted by fellow Jordanians Mohammad Al-Kalaf and Ahmad Al-Roalle. Five players in DR Congo's starting XI ply their trade in England. Those are Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Arthur Masuaku (West Ham), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) and Yoane Wissa (Newcastle). Meanwhile, Congo captain Chancel Mbemba - now of Lille - spent three years at Newcastle. After we're done and dusted in Atlanta - whatever time that may be - there are two more games to come. Belgium take on Senegal in Seattle at 9pm UK time before co-hosts USA face Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco at 1am. There are all different kinds of national and club shirts dotted around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta - but one is more prevalent than others - outside of England and DR Congo. It's the green strip of Mexico. The general consensus is that these fans are local to Atlanta and want to soak in the atmosphere of a World Cup game. But it's also a chance to scout and hate-watch on England, who would face Mexico in the round of 16 at the Azteca, if they win today. DR Congo will be keen to upset the odds, however. England fan Sammy Stephens was on his way into Downtown Atlanta when he realised he was standing next to a DR Congo player in his hotel lift. The Three Lions supporter, from Kent, had just checked into the Grand Hyatt when he discovered the entire DR Congo side was staying on the floor above him. In a short video, he wished left-back Joris Kayembe good luck in a light-hearted moment before going his separate ways. Defender Kayembe has come off the bench in each of DR Congo's World Cup matches so far and he currently plays for Belgian side Genk. He did actually earn two caps for Belgium in 2020 before switching international allegiance. Thomas Tuchel has absolutely done the right thing with Djed Spence at right back. The Spurs full-back is far from ideal - he's struggled in a struggling team this past season - but is a natural and in the absence of Reece James, it was the only way forward. The other option was to move Ezri Konsa across and put John Stones into defence - but that would disrupt the partnership between Marc Guehi and Konsa. 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. Saka has been struggling with Achilles issues and we've just not seen him at his best. We got a taste of his best from the bench against Croatia. So maybe that is the plan again... Marcus Rashford is the best choice on the left wing. The heat in Atlanta is incredible - almost as bad as a London heatwave. But inside, under this roof with full air conditioning, you definitely need a jacket. It's a mind-blowing stadium. The England fans outside are overwhelming. Remarkable support. England have made three changes to the side that beat Panama 2-0 in New Jersey. Djed Spence, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke are recalled; out go Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka. Saka's condition is still being managed and this will be Madueke's third start of the World Cup.There is also a hidden boost among the subs as Quansah has been named on the bench.Thomas Tuchel said yesterday that he wouldn't be involved, alongside Reece James but his ankle issue has healed well.It's a line-up that will cause debate. There was a chance Ezri Konsa could be shifted to right-back but that would have meant recalling John Stones, something Tuchel doesn't seem too sure on at this stage. This is a big opportunity for Spence to showcase why he deserves to keep his spot as James continues to recover from a hamstring strain. England are yet to go unchanged from game to game at this World Cup, with three more alterations tonight. Firstly, Djed Spence comes in at right-back for the injured Jarell Quansah. Declan Rice is back in midfield at the expense of Morgan Rogers, allowing Jude Bellingham to return to his No.10 role. And Noni Madueke has regained his place on the right of attack from Bukayo Saka, whose fitness still seems to be a concern. Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, keeps his place on the left for the second game in a row. The players have had a look at the pitch and are in the dressing room preparing for the warm-ups. Just over an hour until kick-off now. Check out bet365 for the latest odds on tonight's match. And if you're looking for something more specific. - Kane to score a header - 11/4 - England to qualify, Kane 2+ Shots on Target, Bellingham 2+ Shots on Target - 9/2 - Bellingham to both score and assist - 14/1 - England, Belgium and USA to win - 2.87/1 18+ | UK only | begambleaware.org 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 It'll be Mexico - in Mexico City no less - for the winner of tonight's clash. El Tri beat Ecuador 2-0 on home soil in the early hours this morning following a lengthy delay to kick-off due to a thunderstorm. The round-of-16 tie would be played 2,240m above sea level, with sweltering heat expected. An escalator in a football stadium? Swanky. These four brave Scottish fans have really entered the Three Lions den. All wearing Scotland shirts they are inside the stadium supporting England’s opponents Congo. Jim Simpson, 65, his son Jim Simpson, 37, and friend Ryan Filpi, 40 and son Callum Filpi, 12, are part of the Tartan Army. “It’s been very good spirited - so far,” joked Jim from Motherwell, Lanarkshire. “We got tickets before we knew England would be played here. “Of course we want Congo to win. “Come on Congo!” Marcus Rashford will keep his place on the left for England against DR Congo, while Noni Madueke will replace Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank, according to reports. Rashford struggled to impress against Panama but has reportedly held off competition from Anthony Gordon to keep his spot. Saka has been nursing an Achilles problem and looks likely to be replaced by Arsenal teammate Madeueke. Fans are starting to trickle in now as we get closer to kick off. England supporters will be hoping for a comfortable afternoon against minnows DR Congo with the chance to book a spot in the last 16 against Mexico at the Azteca. By Jeremy Cross in Miami Cape Verde star Pico Lopes is planning a swift return to Ireland for a crucial Champions League game - if his World Cup dream is ended by Argentina. Lopes will line up against Lionel Messi & Co when his World Cup fairytale continues in Miami on Friday. Minnows Cape Verde will look to cause the biggest upset in World Cup history against the current holders. But if Argentina win the last 32 showdown, Lopes has no intention of taking a break following his excursions in North America. The defender, 34, will head back to Ireland in time for Shamrock Rovers’ Champions League qualifier against Floriana. Lopes wants to rejoin the squad, before flying out to face the Maltese outfit.The first leg of the first qualifying round clash is on Tuesday, with the return one taking place back in Ireland a week later. Lopes is keen to get back in time to get over his jet-lag and adjust back to UK conditions. Rovers have competed in the qualifying rounds before, but have never reached the Champions League group stages. Making the group stage would be worth up to £16m to the Irish club. And despite his focus being on facing Argentina, Lopes has told Rovers manager Stephen Bradley he wants to be involved in both games against Floriana. The earliest of early birds are getting set up inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium with around two and a half hours to go until kick-off. The Hinckley Foxes will be hoping England enjoy a somewhat more successful campaign than their beloved Leicester City managed in 2025-26. By Andy Lines in Atlanta There are thousand of England fans all over downtown Atlanta already. There is an already queue outside the FanFest - and there’s still three hours to kick off. Some fans are on the cocktails already! A couple of lads have just ordered margaritas in the Moxy Marriott on Marietta Street. But most are being sensible and staying on coffees and breakfast rolls from the nearby Eggslut cafe. Just over three hours until England will be out on the pitch at Atlanta Stadium. And it is looking mightily impressive... Kick-off is now just hours away and our man Ryan Taylor has a fresh injury update from Atlanta... So, will Thomas Tuchel decide to ring the changes? Our man John Cross reckons Djed Spence will come in at right-back, with Bukayo Saka retaining his place in the team alongside Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham returning to the No 10 spot. The rest of the team have also had a go - have a read here and see if you agree! Cross' predicted XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane Reece James is out of tonight's game and would reportedly be tough and go to feature in a prospective Round of 16 showdown with Mexico in a few days time. His hamstring injury has left Thomas Tuchel with a major selection headache - but Wayne Rooney says the Chelsea defender's chequered injury history means his latest issue comes as no surprise. "Are you surprised that Reece James is injured? That was a concern with the squad he picked," he said on the Wayne Rooney show. "You’ve got Reece James who you can’t rely on, you’ve got John Stones who you can’t rely on, Tino Livramento was injured before the tournament. "So the defence was a big worry for me, more so than Phil Foden and Cole Palmer not going. I think the defence, just in terms of reliability, was a concern." Reece James and Jarrel Quansah are definitely out of this evening's game, leaving Thomas Tuchel with a major selection issue at right-back. One of Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa will deputise. The England boss reckons both could be back available for a potential Round of 16 clash with Mexico IF the Three Lions get through tonight. Elsewhere, Declan Rice could return after missing the 2-0 win over Panama. And Bukayo Saka is good to go again after making his first start of the World Cup last time out. Catch up on the full team news HERE.