England's attacking lineup stays intact as they enter the knockout rounds against a World Cup debutant in Atlanta
Marcus Rashford will line up on the left wing when England face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on July 1, 2026, in Atlanta. The Manchester United forward keeps his place after starting in England’s group-stage victory over Panama, beating out Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon for the spot.
England’s attacking firepower stays unchanged
Rashford slots in on the left side of a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bukayo Saka expected to occupy the right flank. Jude Bellingham sits in the number ten role behind Harry Kane.
No injuries have been reported among England’s key attacking players, which means this is a full-strength selection rather than a forced hand.
A former teammate reunion adds subplot
One of the more intriguing narratives within this fixture is the potential matchup between Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who lines up for DR Congo. The two spent years together at Manchester United, training against each other daily.
DR Congo also feature Yoane Wissa among their attacking options. DR Congo are making their World Cup debut.
What the knockout stage means for England’s stars
The 4-2-3-1 shape England appear set to deploy offers Rashford license to drift inside from the left, creating overloads in central areas alongside Bellingham while Kane occupies center-backs.
England’s bench options include the players Rashford beat out for selection — Madueke and Gordon — giving them genuine quality to introduce if needed.
