Thomas Tuchel has spoken of the World Cup knockout stage as "the third chapter" in England's quest for a first world title since 1966. The story so far has been functional rather than thrilling, and now the plot demands something considerably sharper.

England face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday (kick-off 17:00 BST, live on BBC TV) knowing that the comfortable margins of the group phase have evaporated entirely. One below-par performance, one defensive lapse at the wrong moment, and the journey is over. After wins against Croatia and Panama either side of a goalless draw with Ghana to top Group L, the job has been done — but it has rarely been done with conviction.

Defensive worries refuse to go away

The most pressing concern heading into the last 32 is one that was flagged long before a ball was kicked in anger. England's back line has been unsettled throughout, and the injury list at full-back has gone from inconvenient to genuinely alarming.

Newcastle United's Tino Livramento was ruled out before the tournament even began. Chelsea captain Reece James, whose injury record has been a persistent worry throughout his career, then sustained a hamstring problem against Croatia. His deputy, Jarell Quansah, subsequently picked up an injury of his own against Panama. The result is that Djed Spence has become England's last specialist right-back standing.

Tuchel has acknowledged that both James and Quansah are making progress — "They are getting closer and closer. Jarell is a bit ahead of Reece, but the race is close" — but neither will feature against DR Congo. The head coach may yet shift Ezri Konsa across to right-back and bring John Stones back into the central defensive partnership, though Stones himself has barely featured at club level in recent times, having started only five Premier League matches for Manchester City before departing at the end of last season.

Former England captain Wayne Rooney put it plainly 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." It is difficult to argue with that assessment.

Jordan Pickford remains a dependable presence in goal, but the defensive unit in front of him has been shuffled from game to game. Tuchel has shown a preference for centre-backs who can cover at full-back and defenders who offer versatility across the back line — an approach that looks tactically adventurous but leaves England short on specialist cover when injuries accumulate, which they duly have.

Saka and the bigger picture

Tuchel also carries a fitness concern further forward. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka was handed his first start of the tournament against Panama but was withdrawn after 63 minutes as he continues to manage an Achilles tendon problem. Whether he starts against DR Congo or is protected for what may lie ahead is among the more delicate calls Tuchel must make.

And what may lie ahead is significant. A potential quarter-final against Brazil, with Vinicius Júnior in the sort of form that punishes any defensive frailty, would represent an enormous test of this England back line. Tuchel would surely want his most dependable full-backs fit and ready for such an occasion.

No more room for error

This World Cup has already delivered shocks enough to keep even the well-organised sides honest. The group stage offered a degree of protection; the knockout rounds offer none at all.

Tuchel is aware of the weight of expectation. "We are the favourites," he said ahead of Wednesday's tie. "We play against our own expectations. We expect to go further than the round of 32, so why should the public not expect that?"

It is the right attitude. England have the squad depth, the experience and, on their best days, the quality to go deep into this tournament. But Tuchel must now make every selection count and leave nothing to chance. The story has been building patiently. Chapter Three demands a decisive turn.

FAQs

Frequently asked

What time does England vs DR Congo kick off at the 2026 World Cup?
England's last-32 match against DR Congo kicks off at 17:00 BST on Wednesday and is being broadcast live on BBC TV.
Is Reece James fit to play for England at the 2026 World Cup?
Reece James will miss the DR Congo match after picking up a hamstring injury against Croatia. Tuchel has said James is getting closer to fitness, but he remains unavailable for the round of 32.
Who is England's right-back against DR Congo?
With both Reece James and Jarell Quansah injured, Djed Spence is the last specialist right-back available. Tuchel could also move Ezri Konsa to that position to accommodate John Stones in the centre.