Declan Rice is expected to return to England’s starting line-up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday. Both reports say Rice is set to be available for the knockout clash after missing a previous game. Legit.ng adds that he was absent from England’s match against Panama, and is now back in contention to start against DR Congo. BBC Sport similarly frames the development as an expectation that Rice will be available to begin the match, indicating that his return would restore him to the team’s starting XI for the round of 32. The reports do not detail the reasons for his earlier absence or provide further team news beyond Rice’s status. With the match approaching, England’s selection decision centers on Rice’s availability to start against DR Congo in the World Cup knockout stage.