Former England captain, Wayne Rooney, has urged England coach, Thomas Tuchel, to start Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Elliot Anderson in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against DR Congo.
Rooney expressed belief that the Manchester United midfielder offers qualities England need in central midfield, particularly against teams that defend deep.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said, “I’d go with Declan Rice sitting, and I’d go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham.
“Mainoo can give you a bit of both, but in tight areas, that’s Mainoo’s biggest strength, his feet in tight areas, and then he has got a little pass.
“I think he’s the only one who is capable of doing that in those tight areas.”
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England face DR Congo in the knockout stage on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 BST.
Mainoo has not featured in a competitive match for England since September 2024 after falling out of favour during Ruben Amorim’s time in charge of Manchester United.
The 21-year-old, however, regained his place under Michael Carrick at club level before returning to the England squad. He featured in England’s last four friendly matches but has yet to play during the World Cup group stage.
By contrast, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson started all three of England’s Group L matches. Anderson is also attracting transfer attention, with reports linking him to a potential £116 million move to Manchester City.
