England begin the knockout phase of the World Cup by facing DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, and Thomas Tuchel has a number of selection headaches, most prominently in defence21:13, 30 Jun 2026Updated 21:24, 30 Jun 2026With less than 24 hours to go until England kick-off against DR Congo, the debate over who Thomas Tuchel should pick rages on. The Three Lions faced plenty of criticism across their three group-stage matches, despite going unbeaten, racking up seven points and topping Group L.‌Tuchel has already used 20 of his 26-man squad, with injuries and fitness problems forcing his hand. England seem to be cursed at right-back, with first-choice Reece James, backup Tino Livramento and makeshift Jarell Quansah all getting injured.‌But there's more to debate than just one position. Supporters want to see a winning performance with confidence, conviction and goals, and much of that will depend on Tuchel's starting line-up.‌We asked the Mirror Football team for their XIs.Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletterJohn CrossTuchel has made every team selection about the right-back. T he England manager made a big mistake by picking two injury-prone players - James and Livramento - one has gone home and the other is out injured.‌This feels like time for Tuchel to really back Djed Spence. Pick him against DR Congo, make him his first-choice right-back and just go with it. It's not ideal. But that's on Tuchel, sadly.James could be back for the last 16, Quansah rolled his ankle against Panama and it all feels like the perfect storm. Clearly, John Stones has not worked out as Tuchel was hoping because the defender looked rusty in the first game, has not been back since and it feels like he is lacking sharpness through a lack of minutes.Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi are a good combination in central defence, go with Nico O'Reilly at left-back and then the midfield picks itself with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. Bukayo Saka should start against DR Congo if fit and Marcus Rashford provided more pace and spark on the left against Panama than Anthony Gordon had done previously.‌Harry Kane is clearly the only choice up front but, as we enter the knockout, let's hope Ivan Toney gets his moment. We've seen Paraguay shock Germany and Morocco beating Holland on penalties was a lesson to get your spot kick specialists ready. Toney is exactly that.Cross' XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; KaneHow should England line up against DR Congo? Let us know your XI in the comments section.‌Ryan TaylorTuchel has been criticised by pundits for not knowing his best team. While that seemingly remains true, it's not due to a lack of trying, as several starters have underwhelmed amid injury issues.A lot will depend on who features at right-back. If Spence is trusted to start against DR Congo, the back-four will be Spence, Konsa, Guehi and O'Reilly.‌Personally, I like the idea of playing Konsa right-back with Stones partnering Guehi. It gives England extra presence from set-pieces and just tightens them up, even if you lose a bit of in-play attacking threat, going forward.Anderson, Rice and Bellingham (No.10) complete the midfield while there's been a changing of the guard on the flanks. Gordon and Noni Madueke both started the first two matches, but now Rashford and Saka have come to the fore.I would not be surprised if Madueke starts this one, just because Saka's condition is still being managed and there will be tough games in the next few weeks if England are to go the distance.‌Rashford should definitely start, as he's ousted Gordon at left wing. Up top, Harry Kane obviously needs no introduction but I would like to see Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney get some playing time.Taylor's XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane‌Nathan RidleyWhile everyone would agree that right-back is a conundrum for Tuchel, I'd raise another: centre midfield. I understand why Tuchel loves the pairing of Rice and Anderson, as they're the kind of duo who can win a midfield battle.But games against opposition such as DR Congo - with all due respect to the African side - aren't won and lost in midfield, and the team with most of the possession need something extra to break them down. That's why I'd give Anderson a rest and start Kobbie Mainoo, who showed that his value when he broke into Gareth Southgate's line-up at Euro 2024.Remember how Mainoo ran the show against the Netherlands in the semi-final? Although the Manchester United star has barely played any international football in the last two years, he's more than capable of slotting in alongside Declan Rice.‌I also think not starting Anderson will benefit England for their potential trip to Mexico in the round of 16, as they'd face either the tournament co-hosts or Ecuador. You could also move Bellingham into a deeper role and start Morgan Rogers in the No.10 slot Tuchel did against Panama - although I'd actually start Rogers on the left wing and use Marcus Rashford as a impact substitute, where he's performed best under Tuchel.For me, Konsa would get the nod at right-back over Spence - mostly because of the fact it would allow John Stones to return and use his skills with the ball to open Congo up. That way, Konsa can slot inside and cover for Stones while England are piling bodies forward.Article continues belowRidley's XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; KaneJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. 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