England lineup 'leaked' ahead of World Cup clash vs DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel has reportedly made several big calls ahead of England's World Cup showdown with DR Congo on Wednesday evening, and that includes dropping Bukayo Saka to bench.

England recorded seven points from a possible nine in Group L, including a 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday night, to set up their round of 32 clash against DR Congo.

Tuchel had Jude Bellingham's second-half heroics to thank during the win against Panama, as he broke the deadlock with a 62nd-minute strike and then teed up Harry Kane five minutes later.

The 23-year-old is arguably the first name on the Three Lions team sheet alongside Kane, and that instrumental duo will hope to inspire their side to victory once more, with Mexico waiting for them in the last 16.

At least in those two forward positions Tuchel doesn't have a selection headache, but other areas of his squad - most notably in defence - is causing the German problems.

Jordan Pickford will start for England and he will be joined by Nico O'Reilly at left back, while Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence are expected to make up the back four.

Spence was introduced in the 63rd minute against Panama after Jarell Quansah twisted his ankle and was forced to come off.

The former Liverpool defender was brought into the starting lineup following Reece James' potentially tournament-ending hamstring injury, with Spence now being afforded an opportunity to impress.

Tuchel is also anticipated to give his midfield a reshuffle. Declan Rice was rested against Panama, but he will return alongside Elliot Anderson, while Bellingham will continue as a number 10 with Marcus Rashford on the left.

Rice's inclusion means Morgan Rogers drops out of the lineup, and he isn't the only one, as according to Jason Burt from The Telegraph, Noni Madueke has been selected ahead of Bukayo Saka, with Kane leading the line.

Thomas Tuchel will stick to Gareth Southgate's penalty plan

England's first knockout game presents the scenario of a penalty shootout. Tuchel will be determined to avoid that outcome, especially against lower-ranked opposition, but preparations remain the same.

Prior to Gareth Southgate's appointment as manager in 2016, the national team had a poor record at penalties, winning just one of seven.

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But Southgate's arrival took their preparations to the next level, with the Three Lions winning three of their four shootouts under him.

Unsurprisingly, Tuchel has confirmed the team would continue with the process established by his predecessor.

"The FA has a programme that has been in place for years and we follow the programme," Tuchel said.

"We are prepared. We have a process, the players have a process."

The German revealed that he knows a rough 'order' of the penalty takers, although that could waver depending on who is on the pitch and who he thinks is best-equipped to deal with the pressure.

"It is difficult to simulate the situation [of a penalty shootout]," he added.

"I heard Thierry Henry say he can't remember the walk from the halfway line to the penalty spot in his first penalty shootout for France - you cannot train that."