Rooney backs Mainoo over Anderson for England World Cup clash
Rooney wanted Kobbie Mainoo in England’s midfield against DR Congo, backing his close-control over Elliot Anderson after three Group L starts.
Wayne Rooney would start Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Elliot Anderson when England met DR Congo in the World Cup last 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the tie scheduled for 17:00 BST on Wednesday.
He would pick Declan Rice sitting behind Mainoo and Jude Bellingham. Mainoo gives England something more precise in crowded areas. “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,” Rooney said. Mainoo has not won a competitive England cap since September 2024, but he had played in England’s past four friendlies after winning his place back under Michael Carrick at Manchester United and then returning to the national setup.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder, who is close to joining Manchester City for a club-record £116m, had started all three of England’s Group L matches, while Mainoo did not get off the bench in the group stage. That gave Tuchel a choice between the stability Anderson offered across the first round and the tighter passing game Mainoo brings when opponents sit deep.
Emile Heskey sharpened that debate by questioning Tuchel’s late-game use of Jordan Henderson in the 2-0 win over Panama. “I was surprised Jordan Henderson was in the squad,” Heskey said. “And to see out the game you bring on a 30-something-year-old and not a 20-something-year-old to do the same. He probably has three more tournaments ahead of him and can grow into the tournament. I'm not sure how I'd feel as Kobbie Mainoo.” Against a low block, Bellingham could play deeper, while Morgan Rogers was better suited to receiving with his back to goal, Rooney said.
England topped Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana, and their preparation included penalty practice. DR Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and reach the last 32 for the first time after a 52-year absence. Eldor Shomurodov had given Uzbekistan a 10th-minute lead, but Yoane Wissa equalised from the spot, Fiston Mayele put DR Congo ahead and Wissa added a second to seal the comeback.
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