Harry Kane was England’s hero yet again as the Three Lions just about secured progress into the World Cup round of 16. England were facing total humiliation as they trailed DR Congo 1-0 with just 15 minutes remaining of Wednesday’s tense last-32 tie in Atlanta, courtesy of an early strike from Brian Cipenga. The favourites started dreadfully and looked abject in defence, before stepping things up after the first-half hydration break and finding DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in inspired form as he repeatedly thwarted Jude Bellingham in particular.
Yoane Wissa hit the post in a massive reprieve for England and Kane was then controversially denied a penalty for Mpasi’s risky challenge on the stroke of half-time. Thomas Tuchel was visibly furious as his side laboured again after the break, only for Kane to rescue them by heading in the equaliser from substitute Anthony Gordon’s cross. All the momentum was suddenly with England and the turnaround was completed four minutes from time when Gordon again found Kane, who made space inside the box and rifled his second goal into the roof of the net.
There was a last-gasp scare for England as Yoane Wissa sent a free-kick fizzing over Jordan Pickford’s crossbar, but they held on to secure a daunting last-16 showdown with co-hosts Mexico at their high-altitude Estadio Azteca fortress on Sunday night. Follow England vs DR Congo reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s England correspondent Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium.
England vs DR Congo highlights
- Late Kane heroics tee up Mexico clash in World Cup last 16
- GOAL! Kane smashes home to complete turnaround
- GOAL! Kane heads in equaliser with 15 minutes to go
- Kane controversially denied penalty before break
- Wissa hits post as England get huge reprieve
- GOAL! Cipenga effort stuns England early
Three things we learned as Kane saves England's World Cup dream
21:41 , George Flood
A mouthwatering clash with Mexico in Mexico City beckons for England, but how close they came to perhaps the most humiliating exit from a major tournament in their history, writes Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium.
Harry Kane has now scored more World Cup goals than Pele, and it was his endurance, and enduring brilliance, that saved England from exiting at the round of 32 stage to a superb DR Congo side.
The Atlanta Stadium was a beautiful setting for the game, just as Thomas Tuchel had said it would be, and gave rise to a buoyant atmosphere throughout, trapping all the noise and colour in.
But it nearly had England trapped, too. They made it out eventually but trailed to Brian Cipenga’s opening goal for all of 68 minutes before Kane scored the first of a brace to send the Three Lions to the Azteca.
Click here to read Dom’s analysis in full
Harry Kane reacts after England rescue act
20:18 , George Flood
Here is England’s man of the moment, Harry Kane, speaking to the BBC a little earlier on.
"It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. They are a tough team and then after that first break we were much better and their keeper made some unbelievable saves.
“We spoke about people having hero moments and it can be anyone. It was me today.
“We spoke all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to work on for sure and these rounds are just about getting through.
“We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind wins out, and that's what we have done today.
“We are the same as every other nation. We are through, so enjoy it. I want them to enjoy it with the fans, and then we go again in four days.
“We spoke after the Croatian game about subs making an impact and you saw that again. Over 90 minutes, we are tough to handle.
“I am pleased for everyone involved and hopefully we'll keep it going.”
20:07 , George Flood
Amazing scenes after the full-time whistle in Atlanta...
Take it in! 🦁🏴
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2026
England's players share another special Wonderwall moment with their fans after the game 🎶#FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KMa4GBP8ve
England players serenaded by Wonderwall
19:10 , George Flood
Kane soaks up the adulation of fans and team-mates as the England players are once again serenaded by an emotional rendition of Oasis classic Wonderwall.
Unforgettable moments.
England 2-1 DR Congo
19:05 , George Flood
Full-time
It’s all over in Atlanta!
Sluggish England were just 15 minutes away from total World Cup humiliation, until a remarkable brace from captain fantastic Harry Kane.
I need a lie-down after that. Heartbreak for DR Congo, who have been so impressive at this tournament.
England are into the last 16, where they will face in-form co-hosts Mexico at their formidable high-altitude Estadio Azteca fortress in Mexico City, where they have only ever lost twice.
That game is at 1am BST on Monday morning.
England 2-1 DR Congo
19:00 , George Flood
97 mins: It’s not bad from Wissa, but wasn’t getting down in time and whistles over.
Pickford had it covered.
That should be that!
England 2-1 DR Congo
18:59 , George Flood
96 mins: Last-gasp danger for England as Bellingham clumsily brings down Wissa - should he have received a second yellow card?
Two nations hold their collective breath as Wissa steps up...
England 2-1 DR Congo
18:57 , George Flood
92 mins: Pickford gratefully watches one float wide before Guehi then makes a risky tackle inside the box.
England actually have a free-kick for an initial foul on the Manchester City centre-back.
England 2-1 DR Congo
18:55 , George Flood
90 mins: Kane wants his hat-trick, but fires over from long range.
We will have SIX minutes of added time in Atlanta.
DR Congo have sent on Mayele and Kayembe for Moutoussamy and Masuaku.
GOAL! England 2-1 DR Congo | Harry Kane 86'
18:49 , George Flood
86 mins: HE’S ONLY GONE AND DONE IT AGAIN!
Kane is an expert at making space for himself inside the box and now smashes an unstoppable second goal into the roof of the net, sparking pandemonium among the travelling England fans.
Mpasi had no chance with that one.
Truly heroic stuff from England’s inspirational captain. Remarkable.
What a turnaround. Where would they be without him?!
England 1-1 DR Congo
18:49 , George Flood
84 mins: Too much pace on that Gordon cross and Anderson can’t meet it.
DR Congo are starting to have success now on the counter again as Pickford makes a comfortable save from substitute Elia.
England can’t get too carried away trying to win this in normal time...
England 1-1 DR Congo
18:47 , George Flood
81 mins: DR Congo initially looked deflated by that equaliser, but they are pushing forward now and not merely content to sit back and try and force extra time.
They have sent on Watford’s Kayembe and Bongonda for Mukau and Cipenga.
England 1-1 DR Congo
18:45 , George Flood
79 mins: Aside from a brief foray forward by DR Congo, the momentum is all with England now as Anderson lands a shot on the roof of the net.
O’Reilly can’t keep track of the ball inside the box and another good chance is lost.
Mpasi should have saved it
18:44 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
And the irony in all of it is that Mpasi should save the header.
It's close enough to him that he should palm it clear.
England are level. Their World Cup campaign is in a far less disastrous spot now.
GOAL! England 1-1 DR Congo | Harry Kane 75'
18:38 , George Flood
75 mins: THERE’S THE EQUALISER AND WHO ELSE?!
Brilliant movement from Kane to ditch his marker and head Gordon’s pinpoint cross in off the hand of the despairing Mpasi.
A 12th World Cup finals goal brings him level with the great Pele.
Can England find a winner now in normal time?!
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:37 , George Flood
72 mins: Glimmers of hope for England as Wan-Bissaka makes a vital header to stop Gordon connecting with a cross to the back post.
The wastefulness from set-pieces continues, however.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:36 , George Flood
70 mins: Tuchel has sent on Eze for Spence.
He will go into midfield, with Rice to right-back.
An interesting call from Tuchel.
That will go down well if England lose...
England facing World Cup humiliation
18:35 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
It's getting pretty serious now for England.
They need to find something very big here, very soon.
If they don't, they are facing one of the nation's most humiliating exits in major tournament history.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:34 , George Flood
67 mins: Tuchel is unsurprisingly very, very animated as he shouts instructions at his players during the hydration break, trying to elicit some sort of reaction.
England are less than 25 minutes away from utter World Cup embarrassment.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:30 , George Flood
65 mins: O’Reilly clearly blocks off Wissa as DR Congo look to stream forward again.
It’s gone very, very flat and worryingly passive from England again.
Once more, they desperately need this hydration break.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:28 , George Flood
62 mins: There is DR Congo’s chance to counter and a fierce drive from Mbuku looks destined for the top corner before it’s flicked over off the head of Anderson.
I’m surprised to see Mbuku now coming off, he’s been a real thorn in England’s side.
Meschak Elia is on.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:25 , George Flood
60 mins: Tuchel is furious now on the touchline as he barks at his players.
He’s changed both wingers on the hour - Saka and Gordon replace Madueke and Rashford.
Can that spark England into life?
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:24 , George Flood
59 mins: Kane tries to set England away, but his ball through is deflected and makes its way to Mpasi.
At the other end, Anderson makes an important defensive intervention as Cipenga causes more trouble inside the box.
Gordon coming on for England
18:23 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
After Rashford's cross flew over, Tuchel immediately told Anthony Barry to get Anthony Gordon ready to come on.
Seems he's seen enough from England's left winger.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:22 , George Flood
56 mins: A ripple of boos from the frustrated England fans after that wasteful ball from Rashford.
Tuchel must be thinking about changes here with the hour mark approaching.
DR Congo are currently content to sit back deep on their lead, waiting for the chance to spring forward on the counter.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:18 , George Flood
54 mins: The BBC coverage cut out altogether there, but replays show a deflected cross from Bellingham that Mpasi did brilliantly to shift his body weight late to the right before palming away with one strong hand.
The DR Congo goalkeeper has been so impressive so far today.
Rashford now gets up to head well wide.
Rashford must do better
18:16 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
A huge chance squandered by Rashford, and he knows it. Good run from the left winger, twisting away from Mbemba, but side netting is a poor effort from the resulting shot.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:15 , George Flood
51 mins: Counter-attacks and flying challenges all over the place as Rashford then drills a terrible low effort into the side netting for England.
He should have done so much better there.
England 0-1 DR Congo
18:14 , George Flood
49 mins: England quickly settle as O’Reilly earns a corner and Masuaku makes a crucial defensive flick away from Bellingham.
Kane and Mbemba tussle in the box, leading to a warning from the referee.
Second half underway
18:11 , George Flood
Tuchel has resisted the urge to make any half-time substitutions in Atlanta, but it surely won’t be long if this scoreline doesn’t change quickly.
Back underway - with DR Congo straight on to the attack and providing a dangerous pull-back from the byline that England can clear.
England are 45 minutes away from arguably the worst defeat in their history - worse than Iceland in 2016 and the USA in 1950 - and a shock World Cup exit in the round of 32.
A massive, massive half ahead.
What a story this would be for the DR Congo.
Darren Cann: England should have been awarded penalty
18:08 , George Flood
As expected, that penalty decision is proving very, very divisive indeed -both in the BBC studio and across social media.
Former long-time Premier League official Darren Cann believes it should have been given, but it’s in keeping with this tournament that VAR did not feel the need to intervene.
If England crash to a shock World Cup exit here, you will surely hear of nothing else in the coming days.
Anthony Barry calm in half-time interview
18:04 , George Flood
A surprisingly toned-down and level-headed half-time interview from England assistant coach Anthony Barry on the BBC.
He believes they took the handbrake off after the hydration break and insists there is no need to panic, with 45 minutes left to rescue this.
I wish I shared his confidence!
Rooney: Referee right to deny Kane penalty
18:03 , George Flood
Interestingly, Wayne Rooney on the BBC believes the controversial decision not to award a penalty for that Mpasi challenge on Kane was the right one.
He says the England captain clipped the floor initially with his foot and then rather jumped into the goalkeeper.
I actually thought on first viewing that the nudge in the back from Tuanzebe might have been more of a penalty than Mpasi’s intervention.
But subsequent replays show there wasn’t much contact there.
Mbemba appealing for Kane to be booked for diving certainly rubbed salt into the wound.
No way through for England
17:59 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
Remarkable save from Mpasi to deny Kane's volley. It's hit him where it hurts but you suspect the goalkeeper will be okay with that.
DR Congo survive, getting to the interval ahead. What a story we could have on our hands here.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:52 , George Flood
Half-time
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:52 , George Flood
50 mins: England force a very late first-half corner and Kane is left all alone to fire off a powerful volley that is blocked again by the imperious Mpasi.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:49 , George Flood
47 mins: Bellingham is again denied by an excellent stop by Mpasi, having glanced a header goalbound from Madueke’s cross.
Some key defending from Spence then shuts the door on another dangerous-looking DR Congo counter-attack.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:46 , George Flood
45 mins: England are still furious at not receiving that penalty as six minutes of time are added on at the end of this first half.
Kane wasn’t booked for diving, either.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:45 , George Flood
44 mins: Major controversy towards the end of the first half as Kane looks to be clear inside the box and gets a shove in the back from Tuanzebe as Mpasi also comes rushing out and makes contact with the England captain.
That looks a penalty, but the decision goes the other way!
Baffling. There won’t be a review, either.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:43 , George Flood
42 mins: IT SHOULD BE 2-0 TO DR CONGO!
England are carved open once again and a superb spinning cross from Wan-Bissaka is turned against the post by Wissa.
A massive, massive reprieve for England, whose defence are caught all at sea yet again.
Wow.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:41 , George Flood
39 mins: England and Tuchel appeal for a penalty for handball, but the officials aren’t interested.
Sadiki then earns DR Congo a corner, with England’s communication at the back still looking all over the place.
I will be amazed if they don’t concede again this afternoon.
England clear the corner.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:39 , George Flood
38 mins: DR Congo are struggling to contain England’s wide threats just at the moment, with Rashford brought down by Mukua.
But that’s a dreadful free-kick delivery from Rice on the left that is easily cleared.
You won’t see that very often.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:37 , George Flood
34 mins: England go through the gears again and Tuanzebe makes a vital block to deny Kane inside the box.
Wan-Bissaka then clears a first-time effort from former Manchester United team-mate Rashford off the line.
It’s getting closer...
England's defending still a major concern
17:37 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
Konsa and Bellingham with genuine chances is encouraging for England, but they still look so precarious at the back.
Disorganised.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:34 , George Flood
31 mins: Kane is flattened by Mbemba - no free-kick given.
Goalscorer Cipenga continues to cause havoc down the left-hand side for DR Congo, getting to the byline as his dangerous cross is crucially headed away by Guehi.
Kane is back there defending too.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:30 , George Flood
29 mins: Close to an England equaliser!
They have finally ratcheted up the intensity and energy levels and a lovely Rice cross picks out Bellingham, whose header is parried by Mpasi.
Much better.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:29 , George Flood
28 mins: The resulting free-kick from Rice bounces off the knee of a rather unsuspecting Konsa and wide.
That was a chance.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:28 , George Flood
27 mins: That, however, is certainly a free-kick as Spence does brilliantly to glide past Masuaku, whose Sunderland team-mate Sadiki then makes a very poor challenge.
One booking apiece now.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:27 , George Flood
26 mins: Back underway and that’s a fine long ball forward from Konsa to release Madueke, whose first touch is great.
The Arsenal winger then goes down far too easily in the box under the challenge of Masuaku and his penalty appeals are rightly ignored.
Never a spot-kick.
Badly-needed hydration break for England
17:25 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
Love a hydration break. Perfect for disrupting DR Congo's rhythm.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:23 , George Flood
22 mins: Rashford wins one challenge fairly and is then penalised for the next, on Mbuku.
England rallied ever-so-briefly after that opening goal, but that’s long since dissipated now.
The usual loud boos greet the first-half hydration break - likely for England’s performance as much as the break itself.
This time England need the opportunity to regroup.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:21 , George Flood
19 mins: That certainly doesn’t help from Bellingham, who flies in on Mbuku and is rightly yellow-carded by Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh.
England do not need that hot-headed version of Bellingham here.
DR Congo cause more uncertainty in the England defence, but a cross ends up being harmless after attentive defending by Konsa.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:19 , George Flood
18 mins: As just mentioned by Alan Shearer on the BBC, DR Congo have never lost by more than one goal under head coach Sebastien Desabre.
England must change that today.
Yet more sloppiness at the back, this time between O’Reilly and Konsa as Pickford just about scrambles clear.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:18 , George Flood
16 mins: Rashford curls in another decent-looking cross towards Bellingham, but Mpasi is there to make a crucial punch.
England can’t afford to panic here. There is so much time left to rescue this.
England looking shellshocked after early setback
17:17 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
They're probing, but England need to just settle here. They're looking more than a little shellshocked.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:15 , George Flood
12 mins: Better from England and some appreciation sounded by the fans as they get into the box and Rice’s effort is blocked behind for a corner which he takes.
It fails to find a team-mate though and drifts wide of the back post.
But Tuchel appreciated the ambition from his side there as they look to hit back quickly.
Dreadful defending from England
17:13 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
The DR Congo players lift Cipenga aloft; what a stunning start from the African nation.
Spence at fault, or was it the two centre-backs marking the same man? England with work to do already.
England 0-1 DR Congo
17:11 , George Flood
9 min: A break in play now with DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi down after colliding with his own defender in the air.
Bellingham and Rice are really unhappy as they both seem to bark at the England bench.
The Three Lions’ defending continues to look so, so suspect at this World Cup.
GOAL! England 0-1 DR Congo | Brian Cipenga 7'
17:07 , George Flood
7 mins: Wow - that wasn’t in the script!
Abysmal defending from England, who are completely undone by a switch of play into the box.
Cipenga is onside with Spence nowhere to be seen as Pickford is beaten far too easily at his front post.
His first international goal.
England must respond.
England 0-0 DR Congo
17:06 , George Flood
5 mins: DR Congo have seen plenty of the ball so far, but England spring into action on the counter-attack and Madueke gets away down the right-hand side.
The ball ends up at the feet of Rashford, whose curling cross to the back post sails behind for a goal kick.
DR Congo are operating with a back four so far, contrary to Tuchel’s pre-match expectations.
England 0-0 DR Congo
17:03 , George Flood
3 mins: A rather bitty opening to the game with possession quickly changing hands and a couple of early offside flags.
The initial impressions might be that DR Congo are not setting up here quite as defensively as first thought.
Bellingham comes within a whisker of blocking a clearance from goalkeeper Mpasi.
That was very close.
Kick-off
17:01 , George Flood
Underway in Atlanta!
Will England book their place in the World Cup last 16 against co-hosts Mexico, or does another major upset await?
Time to find out...
Kick-off imminent
16:57 , George Flood
England are back in their white home kit this afternoon after swapping to red against Panama.
DR Congo are in sky blue.
Adham Makhadmeh of Jordan is the referee, with Khamis Al Marri of Qatar on VAR duty.
Here come the teams
16:54 , George Flood
The teams are out at Atlanta Stadium, with giant flags from the two nations taking up almost the entirety of the pitch - as has been customary at this World Cup.
It’s time for the national anthems, with ‘God Save the King’ to be followed by ‘Debout Congolais’
10-minute warning
16:50 , George Flood
Final preparations at Atlanta Stadium, where England have been put through their paces one last time ahead of today’s knockout showdown.
Not long to go now, folks!
England fans making themselves heard
16:37 , George Flood
The thousands of England supporters are already making quite a racket under the closed roof at Atlanta Stadium.
Less than 25 minutes to go until kick-off now.
How are those nerves feeling?
Good omen for England?
16:27 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
For anyone feeling nervous, a potentially encouraging (but very contrived) good omen:
This is England's first-ever meeting with DR Congo.
The last time their first meeting with a nation came at a World Cup was also the first knockout round, back in 2022 vs Senegal in Qatar.
England won 3-0 that day.
Tuchel admits surprise at DR Congo selection
16:24 , George Flood
Short answers from Tuchel in his pre-match interview with BBC on the England team news, insisting that Madueke starting today says nothing about Arsenal team-mate Saka’s fitness amid that ongoing Achilles issue.
He also seemed to give short shrift to suggestions that bringing in Spence rather than shifting Konsa to right-back was simply in order to minimise the disruption in his defence amid those injuries to James and Quansah.
Most interestingly, he admits he is surprised by DR Congo’s team selection.
England were expecting their opponents to likely shift back into the 5-3-2 seen against both Portugal and Colombia after lining up with four at the back against Uzbekistan.
Tuchel believes they may actually be planning to start in a very defensive 4-5-1 system, creating another ultra-low block for the Three Lions to try and break down after their notable struggles against Ghana on that front and for an hour in the win over Panama.
Wayne Rooney on the BBC believes this formation will effectively become six at the back when DR Congo are out of possession.
This could be a long and nervy afternoon if that’s the case...
Captain fantastic Kane breaks another England record
16:17 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium
England are back in an indoor stadium for the first time since their sensational 4-2 win over Croatia in the opening game in Dallas.
Atlanta Stadium is beautiful, as Thomas Tuchel said himself yesterday, and a perfect setting for the Three Lions' first knockout match.
They need to win it, otherwise it'll also be their last.
Harry Kane today overtakes two greats in Billy Wright and Bobby Moore. His 91st cap as captain is more than any other Three Lions skipper.
Bakambu drops out in only DR Congo change
16:08 , George Flood
Just the one change from DR Congo boss Sebastien Desabre to the side that came from behind to beat debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group K outing to secure progress into the last 32 as the best of the third-placed finishers.
Veteran forward Cedric Bakambu - who is just one goal away from equalling his country’s all-time scoring record held by Dieumerci Mbokani - makes way for Nathanael Mbuku.
Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa leads the attack as expected, with West Ham star Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back, captain Chancel Mbemba - formerly of Newcastle - partnered in the middle of defence by Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, and Sunderland’s Arthur Masuaku at left-back.
Sunderland team-mate Noah Sadiki is in midfield.
DR Congo team
15:59 , George Flood
DR Congo XI: Mpasi, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku, Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Cipenga, Mbuku, Wissa
Spence, Rice, Madueke and Rashford all start for England
15:46 , George Flood
So the England team is as per those earlier leaks, with Thomas Tuchel opting to draft Djed Spence in at right-back rather than shifting Ezri Konsa across from central defence and bringing in John Stones.
Declan Rice is back in midfield following a rest, with Jude Bellingham returning forward to No10 as a result and Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford preferred to Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon out wide.
It is three changes in total to the team that started Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama, with the injured Jarell Quansah replaced by Spence and Saka and Morgan Rogers making way for Madueke and Rice.
England team confirmed
15:37 , George Flood
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Rashford set to start over Gordon
15:35 , George Flood
It also sounds like Marcus Rashford has once again seen off competition from Anthony Gordon for the starting job on England’s left flank, judging by those earlier reports.
Some big calls by Thomas Tuchel which should be confirmed momentarily...
Spence and Madueke expected to start for England
15:18 , George Flood
Official team news from Atlanta is coming very shortly, but it is being reported that it is indeed Djed Spence at right-back for England this afternoon.
Interestingly, it sounds like Thomas Tuchel has gone for Noni Madueke over Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka ahead of him.
All will be revealed soon...
Thousands of England fans arrive at Atlanta Stadium
15:08 , George Flood
The England fans are arriving at the Atlanta Stadium in their thousands.
Some have apparently made the 900-mile trip from New Jersey, where the Three Lions beat Panama 2-0 on Saturday night to top Group L, by road...
How will England line up against DR Congo?
14:58 , George Flood
So, how exactly will England line up today?
Jordan Pickford is a nailed-on starter in goal as always, while it is expected to be Djed Spence at right-back in the absence of both Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
That should mean Ezri Konsa remaining at centre-back alongside Marc Guehi, with Nico O’Reilly at left-back.
Declan Rice is expected to return to the midfield pivot, where he should be joined by usual partner Elliot Anderson - though Wayne Rooney is among those to state the case for Kobbie Mainoo’s inclusion in that role alongside Rice.
Rice’s return will mean Jude Bellingham pushing back forward into No10, with Tuchel again facing key decisions over Bukayo Saka/Noni Madueke on the right and Marcus Rashford/Anthony Gordon on the left.
If I was a betting man, I would say that Saka and Rashford both did enough against Panama to warrant retaining their starting berths this afternoon.
I don’t need to mention who will be up front.
England predicted XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Germany upset should serve as stark warning for England
14:47 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s England correspondent Dom Smith has arrived at Atlanta Stadium, where kick-off is at 12pm local time.
Here are his pre-match thoughts, including why the gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeats suffered by both Germany and the Netherlands earlier this week should serve as a stark reminder for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions on the dangers of underestimating their less-fancied opponents.
🗣️ "Germany's shock defeat should serve as a warning for England."@MrDomSmith is at Atlanta Stadium to preview today's first last-32 showdown as the Three Lions aim to avoid a major upset
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) July 1, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/GmttQeLdgw#ENGDRC | #ThreeLions | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/VdZFHos3lk
Tuchel gives James and Quansah injury updates amid right-back crisis
14:40 , George Flood
The worsening right-back situation has obviously been a significant talking point among England fans ahead of today’s last-32 clash.
It will likely be Djed Spence operating there against DR Congo, though the likes of central defenders Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah can also both be deployed in the role if required.
Making it Konsa would obviously also necessitate a change in the middle, with John Stones needing to come in to partner Marc Guehi.
It is a less than ideal situation for Thomas Tuchel, whose full-back selection policy had come in for scrutiny even before the injuries sustained by Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
The decision to draft in Chalobah rather than someone like Trent Alexander-Arnold following the injury sustained by Tino Livramento before a ball was kicked was strongly criticised in some quarters.
"They are getting close," Tuchel said of James and Quansah at yesterday’s pre-match press conference. "In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reece.
"But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time, so we need to make sure that we have more matches.
"That is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon."
Mexico await England or DR Congo at fortress Azteca in last 16
14:26 , George Flood
As mentioned, whoever advances from the eighth of the 16 ties in this inaugural World Cup round of 32 will face a daunting task in the last 16.
The winners will have to go to Mexico City to face co-hosts Mexico at the intimidating Estadio Azteca in a match that will begin at 1am BST in the early hours of Monday morning.
Following that aforementioned one-hour delay to kick-off caused by thunderstorms in the area, Mexico had little trouble in seeing off Ecuador as they made it four straight wins at this competition and won their first World Cup knockout match since they last hosted in 1986.
Julian Quinones and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez both scored inside the opening 31 minutes as a fervent home support numbering 80,000 fans roared El Tri to a 2-0 victory that saw Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie follow Miguel Almiron as only the second player at this tournament to be sent off for covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent.
Mexico - who have scored eight goals at this World Cup and conceded none - have remarkably lost only two of 89 total competitive games played at the Azteca, winning 70 and drawing 17.
Their last loss at the stadium which stands at 2,000metres above sea level was all the way back in September 2013.
Ecuador’s Argentine head coach Sebastian Beccacece - whose passionate celebrations after the crucial Group E win over Germany went viral - has stood down from his role following their exit.
No threat of weather delays
14:14 , George Flood
England vs DR Congo is taking place at one of the very best sporting stadiums that America has to offer.
Despite the iffy forecast, there will be no danger of a repeat of the storm delays that saw Mexico’s 2-0 win over 10-man Ecuador delayed by an hour in Mexico City last night, while the players will also not be impacted by the extreme Georgia heat.
That is because the 67,382-capacity Atlanta Stadium - usually known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium - has a fully retractable roof that will be closed this afternoon and is fully air-conditioned, meaning a comfortable experience both on the pitch and in the stands.
The ground that first opened in 2017 is home to Atlanta United of the MLS and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and is known for its enormous 360-degree 'halo' video screen, which measures some 327metres long and uses in excess of 37million LEDs.
England vs DR Congo prediction
14:02 , George Flood
The Panama game was a difficult one to assess for England, with opinions largely divided on the performance until quick-fire second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane eased any lingering nerves.
While it was improved on a really sluggish and toothless display against Ghana, the Three Lions remained some way off their scintillating second half that blew Croatia away.
Any win will do seems to be the mantra from Tuchel, whose side are likely to face another uncomfortable, nervy test in the round of 32 in Atlanta.
DR Congo had a long road to only their second World Cup as they toppled both Nigeria and Jamaica in tense play-off ties, but showed no signs of tiredness during an impressive showing in a difficult group as they frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, and pushed Colombia all the way.
Expect them to make life very difficult indeed for England here, though for the favourites to narrowly prevail in the end - hopefully without the need for extra time or the dreaded lottery of a penalty shootout.
England to win, 2-1.
DR Congo team news
13:59 , George Flood
DR Congo are not believed to be dealing with any injury concerns ahead of their first-ever knockout fixture at the World Cup finals.
French head coach Sebastien Desabre played a back five during the group stage as they drew 1-1 with Portugal and then pushed Colombia hard in a 1-0 defeat, before switching to a four-man defence for the crucial 3-1 come-from-behind win over Uzbekistan that sealed their progress at the top of the third-place standings.
The Leopards’ main attacking threat is Yoane Wissa, the former Brentford star who had a disappointing first season at Newcastle following a £55m transfer saga but scored twice in the win over Uzbekistan.
Their squad also includes West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sunderland duo Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku, Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe, Watford’s Edo Kayembe, former Reading and Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Tshibola of Kilmarnock and one-time Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta.
Their captain and all-time appearance leader, defender Chancel Mbemba, is also formerly of Newcastle.
35-year-old Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu needs just one more goal to tie Dieumerci Mbokani as his country’s record scorer.
England team news
13:48 , George Flood
Declan Rice will return to England’s midfield today after being rested for Saturday night’s 2-0 win over Panama in rainy New Jersey.
The Arsenal midfielder hurt his calf in the goalless draw with Ghana and also revealed that he has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas, having asked to come off in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia.
His return should see Jude Bellingham pushed back forward into the No10 role after he operated deeper against Panama, with Morgan Rogers likely to make way.
Bukayo Saka has been declared fit to start as he manages a lingering Achilles issue and should keep his place on the right wing over Gunners team-mate Noni Madueke, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon still battling for the spot on the left in support of captain Harry Kane.
Thomas Tuchel’s biggest and most-talked-about issue is at right-back, where first-choice option Reece James has not recovered from a hamstring injury and Jarell Quansah also misses out with the ankle problem that forced him to limp off against Panama.
That leaves Tottenham’s Djed Spence - who started at left-back against Ghana - as the only natural replacement in the squad.
How to watch England vs DR Congo
13:41 , George Flood
TV channel: England vs DR Congo will be broadcast live and free-to-air in the UK on BBC One, with coverage starting at 4pm BST.
Mark Chapman is hosting, with ex-England trio Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart on punditry duty alongside former long-time Premier League official Darren Cann.
Alan Shearer is on co-commentary, alongside Guy Mowbray.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch today’s World Cup last-32 contest live online via the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.
England vs DR Congo live
13:36 , George Flood
After three days of drama, talking points, upsets and controversy aplenty, it’s finally England’s turn to enter the World Cup knockout stages today.
The Three Lions are in Atlanta this afternoon, where, after topping Group L, they are clear favourites against a DR Congo side who will fancy their chances of springing a major upset after frustrating Portugal en route to topping the third-place standings at this expanded tournament.
Co-hosts Mexico lie in wait for the winners at their high-altitude Estadio Azteca fortress in Mexico City on Sunday night, having beaten 10-man Ecuador 2-0 following a weather delay to book their spot in the last 16.
Kick-off is at 5pm BST, so stay with us for match build-up, breaking team news and live game updates, plus expert insight and analysis from Standard Sport’s England correspondent Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium.
