Ipswich Town: Axel Tuanzebe gets called up from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DR Congo roster for their World Cup qualifying matches against Senegal and Togo next month includes local defender Axel Tuanzebe.

On Thursday, June 6, the Congolese play the Senegalese in Dakar, and three days later, the Togolese visit Kinshasa.

Tuanzebe, 26, has not yet earned a cap for his natal country. He changed his international allegiance in March from England, his childhood home, where he had competed at the U19, U20, and U21 levels.

DR Congo has won one and lost one of their first two games, placing them third in their qualifying group, one point behind leaders Senegal and Sudan in second. The victor advances straight to the World Cup finals, while the runner-up advances via a play-off.

After being released by Manchester United at the end of the 2022–2023 season, Tuanzebe signed with the Blues in September.

The right-back, or center-half, has a contract that expires this summer, but the Blues have the option to extend it for another season. He scored one goal and made three substitute appearances in his 19 starts for Town last season.

With 28 appearances in the top level, 19 for the Red Devils and 9 for Aston Villa, Tuanzebe is the player in the current Blues lineup with by far the most Premier League experience.