Home / Sports / Spence starts as England face Congo in last-32
Spence starts as England face Congo in last-32
1 Jul
Summary
- Djed Spence starts at right-back due to injuries.
- Declan Rice and Noni Madueke return to the starting lineup.
- Harry Kane seeks to close the gap in the Golden Boot race.
England has made three changes for their last-32 encounter with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta. Djed Spence, the Tottenham defender, has been selected at right-back, stepping in due to injuries affecting Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Spence previously replaced Quansah after the latter sustained an ankle injury.
Midfielder Declan Rice is set to return after a calf issue, resuming his partnership with Elliot Anderson. Jude Bellingham will play in the No.10 role, with Morgan Rogers making way. Noni Madueke also earns a starting spot, replacing Bukayo Saka on the right wing, while Marcus Rashford retains his position on the left.
Spence's inclusion at right-back allows Thomas Tuchel to maintain his preferred central defensive pairing of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, with Nico O'Reilly continuing at left-back. Harry Kane will captain the attack as he vies for the Golden Boot, currently trailing top scorers like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
Should England secure a victory in Atlanta, they will proceed to face the host nation, Mexico, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The Democratic Republic of Congo, who drew with Portugal in the group stage, have included West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in their starting eleven. The London-born full-back had previously withdrawn from an England call-up due to injury before switching his international allegiance in 2025.
