The World Cup Round of 32 continues in North America with England set to face DR Congo in Atlanta. The Three Lions, having topped Group L, will confront the Leopards, who qualified as the competition's best third-placed side after a hard-fought group stage. DR Congo secured their progression with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, following a 1-1 draw with Portugal and a 1-0 loss to Colombia.

England faces mounting injury challenges ahead of the match, missing both their first- and second-choice right backs. Reece James is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while backup Jarrell Quansah twisted his ankle during England’s 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday.

Ahead of the game, it was noted that "It helps to put it in the right framework what is happening in this World Cup and in world football," highlighting the evolving nature of international soccer. Additionally, But Tuchel, whose team faced criticism after a goalless draw with Ghana in the group stage, remarked that "the gap is closing in international soccer."

Elsewhere in the tournament, Belgium is set to play Senegal in Seattle, and the US aims to become the third co-host to advance to the Round of 16 when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara.

Sources