England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed his team will use the penalty shootout system developed by predecessor Gareth Southgate ahead of their World Cup knockout tie against DR Congo. The match kicks off Wednesday at 17:00 BST in Atlanta and broadcasts live on BBC One and iPlayer.

Before Southgate took charge in 2016, England won just one of seven major tournament shootouts. However, his meticulous approach yielded three successes from four attempts between 2018 and 2024. Southgate's method involved regular penalty practice, predetermined taker order, and assigning each penalty-taker a 'buddy' to greet them after the walk back to share pressure.

Southgate also placed detailed opponent research notes on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's water bottle. After the Euro 2020 final where Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho missed spot-kicks, he adjusted tactics to give penalty takers more time on the pitch beforehand.

Tuchel expects a pragmatic performance rather than 'glamorous' play against DR Congo. England topped Group L with victories over Croatia and Panama, plus a draw against Ghana. DR Congo finished third in Group K following a draw with Portugal, loss to Colombia, and win over Uzbekistan. England should advance but Tuchel knows better opponents await later.