World Cup: England vs DR Congo build-up including team news, Thomas Tuchel doubts and latest results

England's World Cup dream enters the business end today when Thomas Tuchel's side take on surprise package DR Congo in the Round of 32.

Kick-off is 5:00pm BST at Atlanta Stadium, with the Three Lions aiming to avoid a major upset and book their place in the last 16.

England topped Group L after collecting seven points from a possible nine. They opened with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, were then held to a draw by Ghana before sealing first place with a 2-0 win over Panama.

The Three Lions remain unbeaten, scoring six goals and conceding just two, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both played key roles in the campaign.

But DR Congo have already shown they are no pushovers. The African side reached the knockout stages for the first time after drawing 1-1 with Portugal, losing narrowly 1-0 to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan 3-1 to finish among the best third-placed teams. Yoane Wissa is their dangerman after hitting two goals in the group stage.

England will start as overwhelming favourites, but Tuchel has warned his players against complacency with the pressure now cranked up in the knockout rounds.

Victory today would send England into a last-16 showdown with Mexico, who defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night. One more win would move the Three Lions another step closer to ending 60 years of hurt and keeping their hopes of lifting the World Cup alive.

New Fifa rule in action

Arsenal centre-back Piero Hincapie was dismissed during Ecuador's 2-0 World Cup last-32 defeat to Mexico on Tuesday evening, becoming the second player at the tournament sent off under FIFA's new mouth-covering regulation.

The 24-year-old defender placed his hand over his mouth whilst confronting AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez during stoppage time at the Estadio Azteca.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic initially missed the incident but was directed by VAR to review footage on the pitchside monitor before issuing the dismissal.

The rule was ratified in April following a high-profile incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who raised his shirt whilst speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League match in February.

Read more here.

Tuchel's warning over complacency

Thomas Tuchel has warned England they cannot afford to underestimate "overachieving" DR Congo as the World Cup enters the knockout stage. "We have to accept that we are favourites," he said. "With that comes responsibility and pressure."

The England boss expects another frustrating afternoon against a stubborn opponent. "I expect the match to be very difficult. They are a very compact, physical and well-drilled team," he said. "Teams defend at the highest level in this tournament and it's difficult for any favourite to break them down."

Tuchel urged his players to stay patient if chances do not come early. "Don't start to doubt, don't lose belief and don't lose patience," he said. "It takes two to tango. If one team doesn't want to open the game, you have to find solutions."

Despite the challenge ahead, Tuchel remains confident England can deliver. "I trust my players. If we show our quality, our discipline and our spirit, we will push this over the line." And with millions of youngsters watching at home, he added: "We want to inspire kids watching their first World Cup game. That's a big motivation for us."

Injury latest: Two out, two in

England have been handed a mixed injury boost ahead of today's showdown with DR Congo.

Declan Rice is set to return after missing the win over Panama, but Thomas Tuchel must again reshuffle at right-back.

Reece James has failed to recover from injury, while Jarell Quansah is also ruled out after suffering an ankle problem against Panama.

Djed Spence is expected to deputise. There is better news over Bukayo Saka, who is in contention despite managing an Achilles issue.

Tuchel revealed James and Quansah are "getting close" and hopes both could be available if England reach the last 16.

World Cup latest

The World Cup knockout drama continued yesterday as France and Norway booked their places in the last 16, while Mexico joined them later in the evening.

Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a brilliant double as France cruised to a 3-0 win over Sweden, taking his tournament tally to six goals.

Norway needed a late Erling Haaland winner to edge past Ivory Coast 2-1 in a thriller, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Brazil.

Hosts Mexico then delighted their home fans with a clinical 2-0 victory over Ecuador to seal a last-16 meeting with the winners of England against DR Congo.

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