ENGLAND coach Thomas Tuchel appears likely to reshuffle his side once again as it prepares to face Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 32 at the World Cup.

Although England defeated a well-drilled but limited Panama 2-0 to ensure it finished top of Group L, the win did little to ease doubts over its ability to break down disciplined low block defences after its 0-0 draw with Ghana.

It took two moments of quality from Jude Bellingham to open the scoring with a smart finish from a corner and then set up Harry Kane for England’s second goal.

Meanwhile, England may not have conceded a goal, but its defence left spaces that more clinical teams might have exploited better than Panama.

The good news for Tuchel is that midfielder Declan Rice should be fit after being rested against Panama with a slight calf problem. Rice should bring greater consistency in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, with Morgan Rogers dropping back to the bench.

Reece James’ hamstring injury means he is still unavailable at rightback, and after Jarell Quansah twisted his ankle on Saturday, Djed Spence is expected to play on the right of England’s defence, with Nico O’Reilly on the left. — Xinhua