England face DR Congo in World Cup last 32 as Rashford meets Wan-Bissaka
England will face DR Congo in the World Cup last 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday, setting up an intriguing duel between former Manchester United team-mates Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The fixture pits Thomas Tuchel’s side against the African nation for a place in the final 16 of the tournament.
It also brings together two players whose domestic and international careers have taken vastly different trajectories since their time together at Old Trafford.
A tale of two international paths
Wan-Bissaka became the sixth most expensive defender in history when he joined United from Crystal Palace for £50m in 2019.
The right-back earned a senior call-up from former England manager Gareth Southgate but was forced to withdraw with a back problem.
Facing immense competition from a deep pool of full-backs, he never won a full cap for the Three Lions.
After losing his place at club level, the defender moved to West Ham in 2024 before Fifa approved his request to represent his parents’ homeland.
Rashford seeks redemption
While his former team-mate embraced a new international identity, Rashford has remained central to the English setup.
The forward is reportedly using this global stage to showcase his talents as he seeks a transfer away from Manchester.
He now faces the task of getting the better of a player widely renowned for his exceptional one-on-one defensive capabilities.
Defensive shift for Tuchel’s team
This encounter highlights a notable shift in England’s defensive resources over recent years.
Tuchel’s squad has experienced a shortage of options on the right side of defence, a stark contrast to the depth previously available.
Had the West Ham defender remained patient with the nation of his birth, he could well have been lining up alongside his former colleague in Georgia.
Instead, he will be determined to shut down the English attack and help mastermind a major World Cup upset.