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England have been handed a timely fitness boost ahead of their World Cup round-of-32 encounter with DR Congo, as Declan Rice is set to make his return to the starting eleven. The Arsenal midfielder, who missed the win over Panama due to a calf problem, is now fit and ready to take up his familiar midfield role in the knockout rounds.

Rice ready to rejoin the action

Head coach Thomas Tuchel is poised to welcome back one of his most influential players as the Three Lions enter the crucial stages of the tournament being held in North America. Rice was absent from the 2-0 win over Panama after sustaining a heavy knock to his calf during the goalless draw with Ghana. According to BBC Sport, the 27-year-old is now fit and expected to start in the round of 16.

The midfielder initially struggled to complete full training sessions, but his participation in the final workout before the squad’s departure for New Jersey provided a welcome boost. In Rice’s absence, Tuchel relied on Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham to control the midfield.

However, with the stakes now higher in Atlanta, the German coach is eager to reinstate his key ball-winner. “He’s just in a sweet spot after his injury. He’s excited to play again and feels completely free. He needs to play with this intensity; he loves performing on this kind of stage,” Tuchel remarked.

Full-back concerns deepen for Tuchel

Although Rice’s recovery has brought relief, England’s squad is facing a growing crisis at right-back. Jarell Quansah, who had been filling in for the injured James, became the latest defensive casualty.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced off in the second half of the Panama match, leaving the coaching team concerned about the availability of their third-choice right-back.

Tuchel painted a bleak picture of the situation after the final whistle in New Jersey. “A classic ankle twist and he’s in pain. He said he’s had it before, so it’s a matter of days. His leg is elevated and on ice,” the manager said.

Tuchel’s tactical options for the knockout phase

With his main right-backs unavailable, Tuchel is evaluating alternative tactical setups ahead of the crucial match in Atlanta. Djed Spence, who came on for Quansah in the last game, remains the most natural replacement still fit within the squad.

However, Tuchel is also considering more conservative tactical solutions to ensure defensive stability as the tournament enters its elimination stage.

Ezri Konsa is another option under consideration. The versatile Aston Villa defender has experience at full-back and could bring added physicality against DR Congo’s energetic attack.

Tuchel will assess his defensive resources over the next 48 hours before deciding whether to continue with a natural wing-back or shift to a more compact back-four formation.

Pressure intensifies on the road to the final

Within the England camp, there is growing recognition that performances need to step up if the team is to justify its billing as one of the tournament favourites. The return of Rice provides the essential balance for Bellingham and other attacking players to express themselves, strengthening the defensive structure that occasionally wavered against Ghana.

With Rice back to steady the midfield, optimism is rising that England can overcome the DR Congo test and continue their march towards the final.