England have made two changes to their starting lineup for Wednesday’s round of 32 clash against DR Congo, with Bukayo Saka one of two players to drop out of the team that defeated Panama 2-0 on Saturday.

Why Saka isn’t starting

Saka’s absence comes down to his lack of full match sharpness after an Achilles tendon injury limited his impact for Arsenal during the final weeks of the 2025-26 season.

Although the winger started the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, he hasn’t looked quite like his usual self since returning from the injury. As a result, he was a substitute behind club teammate Noni Madueke in England’s first two group games at the World Cup.

The roles were reversed in the 2-0 victory over Panama, but Madueke has now regained his place for the Three Lions’ first knockout game of the tournament.

Expect Saka to be one of Thomas Tuchel’s first options off the bench, especially if England struggle to break DR Congo down early in the second half.

The Arsenal star will be looking to add to his three World Cup goals, a tally that already places him among England’s top 10 scorers in the tournament.

Rice returns to the lineup

Alongside Saka, Morgan Rogers is the other player to drop to the bench. His place in the team is taken by fellow Arsenal player Declan Rice, who was rested against Panama because of a minor calf issue and the risk of suspension.

England vs DR Congo: kickoff times, how to watch in the U.S.

In the 2026 World Cup round of 32, England take on Panama today, Wednesday, July 1, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.

Played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the knockout game will be available for U.S. viewers to watch on FOX Network, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One and fubo. You’ll also be able to follow live-text commentary of the action right here at AS USA.

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