England head coach Thomas Tuchel and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford addressed the media Wednesday ahead of their World Cup round-of-32 match against DR Congo [1, 2].
The fixture marks a critical transition into the knockout stage of the tournament. A loss would eliminate England from the competition, while a victory secures a spot in the next round of the tournament in the U.S. [2].
Speaking in Atlanta, Tuchel said the team is prepared for a difficult challenge against DR Congo [2]. The match is scheduled for July 1, 2026 [1, 2]. Despite the confidence in the squad's preparation, the team is managing significant personnel issues in the defensive line.
Right-back options are currently limited. Both Reece James and Jarell Quansah trained away from the main group on the eve of the fixture [4]. These absences leave Tuchel with a depleted selection of natural right-backs for the knockout game.
Jordan Pickford expressed a high level of intensity regarding the upcoming match. The goalkeeper said the team is "ready to go to war" [3]. Pickford's comments reflect the high stakes of the last-32 round, where one mistake can end a campaign [2].
Tuchel said England is capable of overcoming these tactical hurdles and the physical challenge posed by DR Congo [2]. The team's ability to adapt their defensive shape without their primary right-back options will be a focal point for the match in Atlanta [2].
“"ready to go to war"”
England's progression in the tournament now depends on tactical flexibility. With two key right-backs unable to train with the full squad, Tuchel must either utilize a makeshift solution or shift his defensive system. The psychological readiness mentioned by Pickford suggests a high-pressure environment where the team is prioritizing aggression to compensate for these structural vulnerabilities.
