Declan Rice is set to start for England against the Democratic Republic of Congo on 9 July 2026, marking his first competitive appearance since returning from a hamstring injury earlier this month. The midfielder’s inclusion gives Gareth Southgate a fully fit anchor in midfield for the friendly, and it signals the end of Rice’s month‑long recovery period.
What led to Rice’s return?
Rice missed England’s recent Nations League fixtures after sustaining a grade‑two hamstring strain in training on 15 June 2026. Medical staff monitored his progress with a tailored rehab programme that included low‑impact conditioning and gradual re‑introduction to full‑contact drills. By early July, the player completed a series of fitness tests, demonstrating he could sustain 90 minutes at match intensity without discomfort.
How does his presence affect England’s midfield?
Southgate’s tactical setup often relies on a double‑pivot, pairing a deep‑lying playmaker with a more mobile box‑to‑box presence. Rice’s ability to break up attacks, distribute the ball early and cover large ground makes him the ideal partner for either Conor Gallagher or Jude Bellingham. In the last three matches where Rice featured, England kept clean sheets in two and conceded just one goal, underscoring his defensive contribution.
What does the DR Congo fixture mean for Rice?
The friendly in London offers Rice a low‑pressure environment to regain sharpness ahead of the Euro 2028 qualifiers. A strong performance could cement his spot in the starting eleven, especially with competition from midfielders like Kalvin Phillips and James Maddison. Moreover, the match provides a platform to showcase his improved stamina after the injury lay‑off.
What’s next for the England squad?
After the DR Congo game, England will travel to Madrid for a Euro 2028 qualifier against Spain on 14 July 2026. Southgate is expected to retain Rice in the lineup if the midfielder impresses, giving him a chance to influence a high‑stakes encounter. Meanwhile, the coaching staff will continue to monitor his workload to avoid a relapse of the hamstring issue.
How will fans react?
Supporters have taken to social media, praising the swift recovery and expressing confidence that Rice will once again dominate the midfield. A poll on the official England website showed 78 % of fans backing his immediate return, reflecting the player’s popularity and perceived importance to the national side.
The match against DR Congo will kick off at 20:00 GMT at Wembley Stadium, and tickets are already selling fast. With Rice in the starting XI, England hopes to deliver an entertaining performance while fine‑tuning tactics ahead of the upcoming qualification campaign.