England face a pivotal second of their on Wednesday as they enter the last-32 knockout stage in opposition to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The conflict marks the start of a high-stakes, for the squad, with the trail to glory now a five-game dash over lower than three weeks, and listed here are 5 key speaking factors forward of Wednesday’s match…
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Who performs right-back?
Thomas Tuchel has a major choice headache at right-back. With sidelined by a hamstring harm and his alternative in opposition to Panama, , additionally uncertain attributable to an ankle downside, choices are scarce.
Tuchel is left to decide on between , usually a left-back, and ’s , a pure centre-back who might get the nod.
This predicament casts a highlight on Tuchel’s earlier choices to omit and exchange the injured with one other central defender, .
Djed Spence might get the nod to play at right-back (Getty)
Winger woes
Additional up the pitch, the seek for an efficient winger mixture continues. None of Tuchel’s 4 major decisions have persistently impressed.
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, making his first begin in opposition to Panama, pale after a promising opening, whereas ’s finish product proved irritating regardless of his preliminary intent.
seems to be most popular on the left over , whose two lacklustre shows might have price him his probability. or stay various choices.
Rice returns as pushes ahead
In midfield, the return of , who sat out the Panama recreation with a knock, is anticipated. His reintroduction is ready to shift Jude Bellingham again into the quantity 10 position, a place the place he has beforehand excelled.
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Bellingham’s affect in a deeper position throughout Rice’s absence, contributing a objective and an help in opposition to Panama, highlights his versatility. Rice’s presence will probably be essential, notably if England have to leverage set-pieces to interrupt down a resilient DR Congo defence.
Declan Rice is anticipated to return from harm (Reuters)
It’s a knockout
The depth of the match escalates with the knockout rounds, and England are acutely conscious that each match is now a ultimate.
The squad is making ready for all eventualities, together with further time and the dreaded penalty shootout.
Tuchel has beforehand acknowledged that profitable the World Cup will probably contain triumphing in at the least one shootout, although the group will probably be hoping to keep away from such a state of affairs on Wednesday.
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DR Congo will see you now
Whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo would possibly seem a beneficial draw on paper, they’re anticipated to pose a stern problem.
Ranked forty first globally, the African facet held Portugal to a draw within the group stage and can goal to frustrate England. Their squad options a number of acquainted faces, together with , , , and .
Wissa, specifically, will probably be wanting to show some extent in opposition to acquainted opponents, having endured an injury-plagued first season with Newcastle following his £55m transfer from .