Declan Rice is anticipated to return to the England starting lineup for Wednesday’s World Cup round-of-32 match against DR Congo. The 27-year-old midfielder sat out the recent 2-0 victory over Panama as a precautionary measure following a calf injury sustained during the draw with Ghana. Although he missed the full training schedule leading up to the Panama match, he successfully participated in the final practice session before the team’s departure to New Jersey.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had previously utilized Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham in the midfield during Rice’s absence. Tuchel is now hopeful that the Arsenal midfielder will be fit to feature from the start in Atlanta. However, the manager faces ongoing concerns regarding defensive personnel. Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and while he is not entirely ruled out of the tournament, his participation in the upcoming match is unlikely. Furthermore, Jarell Quansah is a significant doubt for the fixture due to an ankle injury sustained during the last game.
With Tino Livramento previously withdrawing from the squad due to a calf problem, Tuchel faces a strategic challenge at right-back. Djed Spence, who filled in for Quansah against Panama, remains the primary candidate to start, though Ezri Konsa is also being considered as a potential defensive alternative.
