Former England captain Wayne Rooney has urged head coach Thomas Tuchel to start Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the £116 million-rated Elliot Anderson in England’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.
Mainoo, 21, has not featured in a competitive match for England since September 2024 but has revived his international prospects after reclaiming a regular place at Manchester United under manager Michael Carrick. The midfielder has also appeared in England’s last four international friendlies.
Anderson, meanwhile, started all three of England’s Group L matches and is reportedly on the verge of completing a record-breaking move to Manchester City.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said he would pair Mainoo with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
“Declan Rice sitting, with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham. Mainoo’s biggest strength is his feet in tight areas and his passing,” Rooney said.
Former England striker Emile Heskey also questioned Tuchel’s decision to select 36-year-old Jordan Henderson ahead of Mainoo during England’s 2-0 victory over Panama.
“He has three more tournaments ahead of him,” Heskey said, highlighting Mainoo’s long-term value to the national team.
Rooney also suggested that Bellingham could be deployed in a deeper midfield role against defensively organised opponents, while Heskey cautioned against judging Anderson solely on the size of his reported transfer fee.
“I’m gutted United didn’t get him—but big-money moves don’t always fit,” Rooney added.
