Rice set for England start against DR Congo

Declan Rice is expected to be available to start England's World Cup last-32 tie with DR Congo on Wednesday.

The key midfielder was rested for the 2-0 win over Panama after taking a heavy blow to the calf in the goalless draw with Ghana last Tuesday.

Rice, 27, was unable to complete the full training schedule before the win over Panama, although he did return in time for the team's final session before travelling to New Jersey.

In Rice's absence, Thomas Tuchel started with a midfield of Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham.

But the England manager is optimistic that the Arsenal midfielder will be available to return to the starting XI for the knockout match against DR Congo in Atlanta.

England manager Tuchel's biggest injury concerns heading into the knockout rounds are Reece James and Jarell Quansah.

Chelsea full-back James missed the win over Panama after sustaining a hamstring injury against Ghana.

While Tuchel is not ruling out James for the DR Congo game, it is understood the right-back's return to action is likely to come later in the tournament.