England topped Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the way they got there tells a story of its own. Thomas Tuchel’s side opened with a 4-2 win over Croatia that showed real attacking quality but also exposed some defensive cracks.
A goalless draw against Ghana followed, with England struggling to break down a stubborn defense and facing real questions about their form.
Those questions got answered in the final group game, as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored in a comfortable victory over Panama to close out the group on top.
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Rice Set for Knockout Return
The one concern through it all has been Declan Rice. The Arsenal midfielder missed the Panama game after limping off during the Ghana draw, with reports pointing to minor hamstring and calf issues.
Tuchel chose caution over risk ahead of the knockouts, and it showed, with England lacking some control in midfield during the first half against Panama. There’s better news now though.
BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reports that Rice is expected to return to the starting lineup when England face DR Congo in Atlanta.
Rice has quietly been one of England’s most important players this tournament. His value goes beyond just breaking up opposition attacks, with his passing and chance creation playing a real role in how England build from midfield. Getting him back fit matters a great deal heading into the knockout stage.
England’s Path Through the Knockouts
DR Congo will be no easy test. They made history just to get here, securing their first ever World Cup knockout berth with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in the final group game. Yoane Wissa scored twice and Fiston Mayele added a third, sealing both DR Congo’s first World Cup win and their first trip past the group stage.
England go in as favorites, but DR Congo have momentum and belief on their side. Win that one, and England will face the winner of Mexico and Ecuador in the Round of 16. Beyond that lies a possible quarterfinal in Miami against Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway.
England have shown plenty of quality through the group stage, but how far they go from here may come down to one thing – having Declan Rice fully fit and controlling the midfield.
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