World Cup 2026: England and DR Congo choose balanced 4-2-3-1 systems for round-of-32 clash in Atlanta

England and DR Congo both set up in 4-2-3-1 systems for their 2026 World Cup round-of-32 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Henry DONCHE

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On 1 Jul 2026 at 16:34 Updated 1 Jul 2026

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Illustration du match Angleterre VS RD Congo, le 01/07/2026 17:00, stade Atlanta Stadium

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England and the Democratic Republic of Congo face each other on July 1, 2026 at 17:00 GMT+1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Both teams are deploying a 4-2-3-1 system, setting up a tactical contest in which control of midfield will be essential. This duel marks a turning point in the competition, with an ambitious England side up against a Congolese team determined to spring a surprise.

For England, Thomas Tuchel names a young and dynamic group led by midfielder Jude Bellingham and forwards Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane. Opposite him, coach Sébastien Desabre is relying on a solid defensive core combined with attacking players capable of unsettling the England block, notably Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa.

This round-of-32 tie is also a victory in itself for DR Congo, who are testing themselves against one of football’s great historic nations, while England are looking to confirm their status as favorites. The tactical choices and management of the collective will be decisive, particularly around the midfielders, who will have to apply their respective coach’s strategy.

How England line up

England line up in a classic 4-2-3-1 with Jordan Pickford in goal. The defense consists of Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly on the left flank, an experimental but balanced line. In midfield, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson form a double pivot tasked with protecting the defense while feeding the attacking line.

The attacking trio behind center-forward Harry Kane brings together Noni Madueke on one side, Jude Bellingham centrally as playmaker, and Marcus Rashford on the other wing. This setup features many players capable of combining pace and technique, offering several attacking options. Coach Thomas Tuchel is prioritizing fluidity and a high press in this system.

On the bench, the presence of experienced figures such as John Stones, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka provides valuable replacement options to manage the match. England’s notable absences, particularly Reece James and Jarell Quansah, are felt in defense, placing greater responsibility on the starters.

How DR Congo line up

Sébastien Desabre also sets up his team in a 4-2-3-1, with Lionel Mpasi as goalkeeper. The defense features Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku, a line combining physical strength and international experience. In midfield, Samuel Moutoussamy and Noah Sadiki make up the double pivot, tasked with balancing play between defensive and attacking phases.

In support of the attack, Ngal’ayel Mukau takes on a playmaker role, while Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Cipenga and Yoane Wissa complete the attacking setup with a dynamic trident supporting the two front men, Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa. This setup reflects an ambition to counterattack while remaining defensively solid.

DR Congo’s bench includes several players capable of changing the course of the match, notably Gaël Kakuta and Fiston Mayele, giving them varied options to adapt as the game evolves. This lineup underlines Desabre’s desire to combine pragmatism and creativity against an England side that presses aggressively.

Starting lineups

England

System4-2-3-1CoachThomas Tuchel

Starters11

1 Jordan Pickford Goalkeeper
25 Djed Spence Defender
2 Ezri Konsa Defender
6 Marc Guéhi Defender
3 Nico O'Reilly Defender
8 Elliot Anderson Midfielder
4 Declan Rice Midfielder
20 Noni Madueke Midfielder
10 Jude Bellingham Midfielder
11 Marcus Rashford Midfielder
9 Harry Kane Forward

Substitutes15

23 James Trafford
13 Dean Henderson
12 Trevoh Chalobah
5 John Stones
15 Dan Burn
24 Reece James
4 Jarell Quansah
21 Eberechi Eze
14 Jordan Henderson
17 Morgan Rogers
16 Kobbie Mainoo
19 Ollie Watkins
18 Anthony Gordon
7 Bukayo Saka
22 Ivan Toney

DR Congo

System4-2-3-1CoachSebastien Desabre

Starters11

1 Lionel Mpasi Nzau Goalkeeper
2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
4 Axel Tuanzebe Defender
22 Chancel Mbemba Defender
26 Arthur Masuaku Defender
8 Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
14 Noah Sadiki Midfielder
7 Nathanaël Mbuku Forward
6 Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
9 Brian Cipenga Forward
20 Yoane Wissa Forward

Substitutes15

21 Matthieu Epolo
16 Timothy Fayulu
5 Dylan Batubinsika
24 Gedeon Kalulu
12 Joris Kayembe
3 Steve Kapuadi
11 Gaël Kakuta
18 Charles Pickel
10 Théo Bongonda
15 Aaron Tshibola
25 Edo Kayembe
19 Fiston Mayele
17 Cédric Bakambu
23 Simon Banza
13 Meschak Elia

England

Half-time 0-1 Atlanta Stadium

DR Congo

01/07/2026 17:00 Round of 32

Fil du match

7'But - B. Cipenga (passe C. Mbemba)RD Congo, 7e
19'Carton jaune - J. BellinghamAngleterre, 19e
28'Carton jaune - N. SadikiRD Congo, 28e

Round of 32 schedule

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