Former England captain Wayne Rooney has called for Kobbie Mainoo to be handed a starting role against DR Congo in Wednesday’s World Cup last-32 tie.
Rooney believes Mainoo should be preferred to Elliot Anderson, who started all three of England’s Group L matches during the tournament.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney outlined his preferred midfield setup, saying: “I’d go with Declan Rice sitting, and I’d go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham.”
The former striker argued that Mainoo’s technical ability in confined spaces makes him the superior option for a knockout tie against a physical DR Congo side.
Rooney said: “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.”
He added: “I think he’s the only one who is capable of doing that in those tight areas.”
Mainoo had not featured in a competitive England game since September 2024, having lost his place at Manchester United under former manager Ruben Amorim.
The 21-year-old rediscovered his form under Michael Carrick and earned recalls to the England squad, playing in four recent friendlies, though he failed to come off the bench in any of the group stage matches.
Anderson, meanwhile, is reportedly close to completing a club record £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City, adding significant scrutiny to his performances on the international stage.
Former England striker Emile Heskey, also speaking on the show, expressed surprise that manager Thomas Tuchel turned to 36-year-old Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson rather than Mainoo late in the 2-0 group win over Panama.
Heskey said: “I was surprised Jordan Henderson was in the squad. 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 continued: “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.”
On the subject of Anderson’s impending record transfer and the pressure it brings, Heskey urged perspective, saying: “You have to look past the price tag. The beating stick is always going to be the price tag.”
Rooney acknowledged Anderson’s quality but drew comparisons to previous high-profile moves that failed to deliver, saying: “He’s a fantastic player. I’m gutted Manchester United didn’t get him but we’ve seen it when players go for big-money moves – like Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish to some extent – they [sometimes] don’t fit in.”
Rooney also addressed the prospect of Bellingham operating in a deeper role, suggesting his intensity suits certain matchups, saying: “Against a team with a low block you can play Bellingham deeper. He’s a player with intensity, desire and drive.”
England’s last-32 tie against DR Congo kicks off at 17:00 BST and is live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.
