Marcus Rashford to Keep Place as England Face DR Congo in World Cup

Short overview
Marcus Rashford is set to retain his starting spot for England's World Cup round-of-32 match against DR Congo. Noni Madueke returns to the lineup as Bukayo Saka manages fitness, while Declan Rice replaces Morgan Rogers and Djed Spence starts as expected.
Marcus Rashford is expected to keep his place in England's starting lineup for their World Cup round-of-32 clash against DR Congo later today, according to reports. The Manchester United forward impressed in the final group-stage match and has been preferred over Anthony Gordon for the knockout fixture.
Team News and Changes
Noni Madueke is set to return to the side as Bukayo Saka continues to manage his fitness levels. Saka, who has been a key player for England, will likely be rested or used as a substitute to avoid aggravating any underlying issues.
In midfield, Declan Rice is expected to replace Morgan Rogers, providing stability and experience in the center of the park. Djed Spence, as anticipated, will start at right-back, adding defensive solidity and attacking width.
Rashford's Form Secures Spot
Rashford's performance in the group stage has been a bright spot for England, and his continued inclusion reflects the coaching staff's confidence in his ability to make an impact in the knockout rounds. The decision to start him ahead of Gordon underscores the tactical approach for the match against DR Congo, who have proven to be a resilient opponent.
England will be looking to advance to the last 16 with a strong showing, and the selected lineup aims to balance attack and defense effectively.
More on these topics
Uefa set to drop Fifa boycott threat after assurances
Uefa is expected to lift its threat of boycotting Fifa competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors will not be revived. The decision, to be discussed at Thursday's executive committee meeting, would allow the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland to proceed.

Graham Arnold signs six-month extension as Iraq head coach
Graham Arnold has signed a six-month contract extension with the Iraq Football Association, keeping him at the helm for the Gulf Cup and the 2025 AFC Asian Cup. Despite a four-year offer, Arnold chose a shorter term, citing mutual interests.
England Women U20s squad named amid Fifa boycott threat
England Women U20s head coach Lydia Bedford has named her 21-player squad for the Fifa U20s Women's World Cup in Poland, amid threats of a European boycott over the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal. The tournament runs from 5 to 27 September.

Senegal's Ndiaye: From Bundesliga Debut to World Cup Stage
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, an 18-year-old midfielder, made his FIFA World Cup debut for Senegal in 2026 after a rapid rise from Bayern Munich's youth setup. His journey highlights a new generation of Senegalese talent poised to lead the national team.



