England face a pivotal moment in their World Cup campaign on Wednesday as they enter the last-32 knockout stage against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The clash marks the beginning of a high-stakes, all-or-nothing phase for the squad, with the path to glory now a five-game sprint over less than three weeks, and here are five key talking points ahead of Wednesday's match...
Thomas Tuchel has a significant selection headache at right-back. With Reece James sidelined by a hamstring injury and his replacement against Panama, Jarell Quansah, also doubtful due to an ankle problem, options are scarce.
Tuchel is left to choose between Djed Spence, typically a left-back, and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, a natural centre-back who could get the nod.
This predicament casts a spotlight on Tuchel's earlier decisions to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold and replace the injured Tino Livramento with another central defender, Trevoh Chalobah.
The clash marks the beginning of a high-stakes, all-or-nothing phase for the squad, with the path to glory now a five-game sprint over less than three weeks, and here are five key talking points ahead of Wednesday's match...
Thomas Tuchel has a significant selection headache at right-back. With Reece James sidelined by a hamstring injury and his replacement against Panama, Jarell Quansah, also doubtful due to an ankle problem, options are scarce.
Tuchel is left to choose between Djed Spence, typically a left-back, and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, a natural centre-back who could get the nod.
This predicament casts a spotlight on Tuchel's earlier decisions to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold and replace the injured Tino Livramento with another central defender, Trevoh Chalobah.
3 months ago
