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Football

England selection debate focuses on Rice, wide roles and right-back

BBC Football has asked readers to pick England's starting XI for the World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo, with Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers and the right-back role among the key selection talking points.

England selection debate focuses on Rice, wide roles and right-back
Image credit: bbc.co.uk

England are preparing for a World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo, and the main issue raised is how Thomas Tuchel should shape his starting XI. The BBC piece is an interactive selection exercise, not a confirmed team announcement.

The central question is whether Declan Rice comes into the side, and if so, who makes way from the team that beat Panama. That creates a wider debate about balance: whether England prioritise continuity or adjust the midfield for a knockout match.

There are also decisions to consider in the attacking and defensive lines. The source asks whether Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka should remain in wide positions, whether Morgan Rogers should keep his place, and who should start at right-back.

For editors, this is best treated as a discussion-led preview rather than news of a final lineup. The value is in framing the selection dilemmas for supporters while making clear that no official England XI has been reported in the supplied source.

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