Declan Rice is on course to return to England's starting lineup for their FIFA World Cup 2026 last-32 knockout tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated.

The Arsenal midfielder sat out the 2-0 group-stage victory over Panama after suffering a heavy calf blow during the goalless draw with Ghana the previous Tuesday. Rice was unable to complete the full training programme ahead of the Panama match, though he did make it back for the squad's final session before the side departed for New Jersey.

With Rice sidelined, Tuchel fielded a midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham against Panama — a combination that will likely be broken up now that Rice is expected to be fit for the knockout stage.

Right-back crisis deepens for Tuchel

While Rice's recovery offers some relief, Tuchel faces a mounting headache at right-back heading into the knockout rounds.

Chelsea's Reece James missed the Panama fixture after picking up a hamstring injury against Ghana. Although Tuchel has not ruled James out of the DR Congo game entirely, it is understood the full-back's return is more likely to come at a later stage of the tournament.

Jarell Quansah, who stepped in at right-back in James' absence against Panama, is also a major doubt for Wednesday's tie after sustaining an ankle injury. England's medical staff will assess Quansah over the next 48 hours, but Tuchel has already conceded it will be