Thomas Tuchel has declared the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the beginning of the story's decisive chapter — one he hopes ends with England lifting the trophy for the first time since 1966. But before any such dream can be realised, his side must overcome DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST), live on BBC TV.

England navigated Group L without much drama, topping the table with wins over Croatia and Panama, interrupted only by a goalless draw with Ghana that left supporters underwhelmed. The real test, however, starts now — where a single error or an off-colour display can end a campaign instantly.

A defensive headache Tuchel cannot ignore

England's most glaring vulnerability heading into the knockout rounds is at the back. Former England captain Wayne Rooney was blunt when speaking to BBC Sport: "The area of the pitch you want stability in is your goalkeeper and back four. With the back four we haven't had that."

Reece James, Chelsea's captain, suffered a hamstring injury against Croatia — a setback that surprised few given his long injury history. His deputy, Jarell Quansah, then went down against Panama, stripping England's options at right-back down to the bone.

Tuchel confirmed both James and Quansah will miss the DR Congo fixture, though he offered cautious optimism: "They are getting closer and closer. Jarell is a bit ahead of Reece, but the race is close." That leaves Djed Spence as the only natural right-back available, with Ezri Konsa a possible conversion option that could open the door for John Stones.

Jordan Pickford remains a reliable constant in goal, but the shifting centre-back combinations — Stones and Konsa against Croatia, then Konsa and Marc Guehi with Stones dropped — reflect a unit still searching for its best shape. The fact that Stones started only five Premier League games before departing Manchester City last season, and that James managed just 20 for Chelsea, complicates Tuchel's planning further.

Should England reach a potential quarter-final against Brazil and Vinicius Jr in Miami, specialist defensive quality will be non-negotiable.

Rice: England's irreplaceable engine

Declan Rice was rested against Panama — a sensible call with Arsenal's midfielder carrying a yellow card and managing both a hamstring issue and a calf knock sustained against Ghana. His absence exposed England badly; they conceded 13 shots to Panama and looked alarmingly open on the counter-attack, with Elliot Anderson stretched beyond his means in the middle of the park.

Rice's role goes well beyond defensive screening. He provides creative output, game intelligence, and crucial delivery from set pieces — making him as indispensable to England's World Cup ambitions as captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. A fit, available Rice is not a luxury; he is a necessity.

Tuchel must also decide whether Bukayo Saka, who started against Panama for 63 minutes while nursing an Achilles tendon problem, is ready for another outing. The Arsenal winger's fitness will be carefully managed.

Giants fall as the tournament turns brutal

Any temptation toward complacency has been swept away by the chaos unfolding elsewhere in the draw. Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties, placing Julian Nagelsmann's future under immediate scrutiny amid growing calls for Jurgen Klopp to take the role. The Netherlands, packed with Premier League talent, fell to Morocco, prompting Ronald Koeman's resignation within 24 hours.

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil required a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to edge past Japan. The tournament is delivering shock after shock.

Tuchel is alert to the danger. "There is no percentage of over-confidence in our approach," he said. "The games in the round of 32 speak a very clear language. It is very narrow margins. It actually makes me more calm than nervous."

England enter Wednesday's fixture as favourites — a status Tuchel himself acknowledged — but in a World Cup where giants are crashing out daily, that label offers no protection whatsoever.