Predicting England's World Cup starting XI for DR Congo knockout match

In the newly introduced Round of 32, England will face African side DR Congo in Atlanta, and for the first time in this World Cup, there is an injury crisis. 

This means manager Thomas Tuchel will have to be inventive with his team selection as he looks to take England another step closer towards a first trophy since 1966. 

Here, DAZN News predicts England's starting eleven for their Round of 32 knockout match against DR Congo.  

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England to learn lessons from Germany and Netherland

Watch: Thomas Tuchel wary of becoming another World Cup shock story

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GOALKEEPER: Jordan Pickford 

The Everton goalkeeper will always be one of the first names on the teamsheet. 

Depth chart: Dean Henderson, James Trafford

RIGHT BACK: Djed Spence

Right back has suddenly become a huge problem for England, Reece James has suffered a hamstring injury, and won't be available, so it's not known whether he will be available for the rest of the tournament. 

With very little depth at this position, it is likely Djed Spence will have to come in, but he does not offer the same attacking threat as James and could be an area for DR Congo to exploit in attack. 

Jarrell Quansah would have also been a consideration, but he won't be fit enough to play after picking up an ankle injury in Saturday's win against Panama.

Depth chart: Ezri Konsa

CENTRE BACKS: Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa

There will be a temptation for Tuchel to move Ezri Konsa to right back, but it's more important to keep the consistency and continue building the centre back partnership between Marc Guehi and Konsa. 

With DR Congo reliant on their physicality in attack, Guehi and Konsa are the best suited to combatting this challenge. 

Depth chart: John Stones, Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah, Jarell Quansah 

LEFT BACK: Nico O'Reilly

With there being threadbare options at fullback, Nico O'Reilly will start as England look to pose some attacking threat from defensive areas. 

Depth chart: Djed Spence

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Golden Substitutions

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CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice

After resting Declan Rice against Panama, I expect the Arsenal midfielder to return and partner Elliot Anderson, who struggled in central midfield on Saturday night. 

With DR Congo effective with quick, sharp counterattacks, both Anderson and Rice will be crucial in breaking up the play if England are looking vulnerable. 

Depth chart: Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo

RIGHT WING: Bukayo Saka

Tuchel has made no secret that he was saving Bukayo Saka for the knockout stages, and after giving him a start against Panama, he is ready. 

Depth chart: Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford

ATTACKING MIDFIELD / NUMBER 10: Jude Bellingham 

Jude Bellingham is England's star man at the moment and at times, is single-handedly getting the Three Lions over the line. 

With the stakes heightened in the Round of 32, Bellingham will likely thrive under the extra pressure. 

Depth chart: Morgan Rogers

LEFT WING: Marcus Rashford

When very little was happening for England against Panama, Marcus Rashford did manage to conjure a chance or two. 

He is also no stranger to the high pressure in England World Cup knockout matches. 

Depth chart: Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze

STRIKER: Harry Kane

There is nothing to add, captain Harry Kane simply has to start. 

Depth chart: Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford

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