England manager Thomas Tuchel has called on his squad to step up beyond the contributions of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, warning against over-reliance on the star duo in the World Cup knockouts.

During the group stage, five of England's six goals were scored by Kane and Bellingham. Bellingham scored the opener against Panama, and assisted Kane for the second goal in their 2-0 victory. However, a goalless draw against Ghana highlighted the team's struggles when the attacking pair do not produce.

As England prepares to face DR Congo in the last 32, Tuchel stated his expectation that other players will seize opportunities. "On a certain level, we want these guys in a key moment to show up. Harry did it. Jude did it," Tuchel said. "I am convinced that Nico O’Reilly almost did it against Ghana (header against crossbar). I am sure Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka will do it when the time is there, and we need that."

Tuchel also highlighted the importance of teamwork in creating scoring chances, particularly for Bellingham. "If you look carefully, sometimes it’s just a run from someone else to open the space up for Jude so that he can shine," he explained. "They work in units. Nico O’Reilly took an opponent out to create space for Jude in the first half. We have to work in patterns to have a higher amount of attacking threat. If we all just play freestyle, no one knows what the other one is thinking. Jude is a part of it."

Regarding team strategy, Tuchel faces a decision about Bellingham's position against DR Congo. With Declan Rice having been rested, Bellingham played in a No. 8 role against Panama. Rice is expected to return to the lineup, likely moving Bellingham back to his No. 10 position.

Injuries remain a concern, with Jarrell Quansah (ankle) and Reece James (hamstring) doubtful for the upcoming match.

Tuchel praised Bellingham's commitment and impact since joining the squad. "This is what we want from Jude. He was very positive from the first day in camp. He buys fully into all the things we demand as a team player, and then he brings his own individual quality to decide football games. That’s what you see in World Cups now, and what you see from other teams and other big players. We have it in him and he’s a key player. He buys fully into all the things we demand of him as a team player. So well done until now. He needs to keep going."