Former England captain Wayne Rooney believes Kobbie Mainoo should start ahead of Elliot Anderson when England face DR Congo in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
The Manchester United midfielder has yet to feature during England’s group-stage campaign, despite returning to the national team setup after re-establishing himself at club level under manager Michael Carrick.
Mainoo has not earned a competitive England appearance since September 2024 but regained his place in the squad following an impressive finish to the domestic season. Although he featured in England’s four pre-World Cup friendlies, the 21-year-old remained an unused substitute throughout the group stage.
Anderson, meanwhile, started all three of England’s Group L matches and is reportedly close to completing a club-record £116 million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said he would pair Mainoo with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
“I’d go with Declan Rice sitting, and I’d go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham,” 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.
“I think he’s the only one who is capable of doing that in those tight areas.”
Former England striker Emile Heskey also questioned England’s midfield selections during the group stage, admitting he was surprised manager Thomas Tuchel opted to introduce 36-year-old Jordan Henderson rather than Mainoo during the closing stages of the 2-0 victory 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.”
Rooney also suggested Jude Bellingham could operate in a deeper midfield role against teams that defend in a low block, allowing Morgan Rogers to play further forward.
“Against a team with a low block you can play Bellingham deeper,” Rooney explained.
“He’s a player with intensity, desire and drive.
“Morgan Rogers is better suited with his back to goal than Bellingham. Against bigger teams you’ll see Jude in that position.”
The former Manchester United striker also praised Anderson’s quality despite the scrutiny surrounding his reported transfer fee.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Rooney said.
“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.”
England will take on DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
