Declan Rice ready for 'tough' DR Congo challenge in World Cup 2026 last 32
Quick summary
England midfielder Declan Rice acknowledges the difficulty of facing DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 round of 32, expecting a challenging knockout match.
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Attributed to original sourceEngland midfielder’s experience with Arsenal last season taught him the need to be patient against teams unwilling to attack
Declan Rice is reflecting on the pivotal moment of his season so far, the one when plenty of people thought it was about to go wrong for him and Arsenal. It was a narrow and painful defeat for them at Manchester City in mid‑April, which meant the clubs were stride for stride with each other at the top of the Premier League. The momentum was with City. Were Arsenal about to blow it?
The TV cameras picked out Rice on the Etihad Stadium pitch and, as he shook his head, he was easy to lipread. “It’s not done,” the England midfielder said. It was not. Arsenal won all of their remaining league games, finding a way through unbearable levels of tension. City did not and Arsenal were champions for the first time since 2004. “It could have gone either way,” Rice says with a smile. “That would have lived with me for ever.”
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What happened
Declan Rice has spoken ahead of England's round of 32 clash against DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Arsenal midfielder admitted the tie will be 'tough', showing respect for the African nation who advanced from the group stage. The match represents a notable test for England as they enter the knockout phase, with DR Congo having impressed in the tournament. Rice's comments suggest England are not underestimating their opponents despite being among the tournament favourites.
Chance analysis
This is a pre-match press comment from a key England player ahead of a knockout-stage fixture at the World Cup 2026. England's meeting with DR Congo in the last 32 is a competitive matchup — DR Congo have proven themselves capable of reaching the knockout rounds, and Rice's respectful tone suggests England anticipate a stern test. For prediction systems, this is a standard pre-match article with limited tactical information but confirms England are taking the opponent seriously.
No significant impact on team availability or tactics; standard pre-match comments ahead of a knockout fixture.
England face DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 round of 32; Rice's comments indicate respect for the opponent but no injury or lineup intel.