Wayne Rooney has urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to make a surprise change for the World Cup match against DR Congo, dropping Elliot Anderson in favor of Kobbie Mainoo. The Three Lions face DR Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Rooney's midfield proposal
Rooney wants Mainoo to join Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield, replacing Anderson who started the first three group games. The Manchester United legend believes Mainoo offers a unique quality that neither Rice nor Bellingham possess, which could be crucial against a defensive opponent.
“I personally would play him tomorrow because as good and as much quality as they’ve got, one of their qualities is not really playing in tight areas and Kobbie Mainoo can play in tight areas,” Rooney said on the BBC. “That’s his biggest strength, I believe. We’ve seen it against Man City in the FA Cup final, we’ve seen it against Liverpool, we’ve seen him score some goals in little tight areas around the penalty box. Because we haven’t got [Phil] Foden there, we haven’t got Cole Palmer there. I think he’s one player that can play in tight areas and unlock a defence.”
Rooney added: “I’d play Declan Rice and leave Elliot Anderson out of the starting line-up. Even though he’s done brilliant. You’ve got a squad for a reason, you’ve got a squad because when you come up against opposition that play in different ways, I think, as we have struggled in the last two games against teams who do play a low block, you need someone who has that little bit of ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and then unlock the defence.”
Mainoo's World Cup status
Mainoo featured in pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica but has not appeared in any World Cup match so far. It would be a surprise if Tuchel selects him for the starting XI on Wednesday, though England struggled to create chances in previous games, particularly against Ghana.
Tuchel has confirmed Rice will start after being rested against Panama due to fitness and suspension concerns. “Yeah. Of course. We always miss Declan [when he doesn’t play]. He is one of the best midfielders in connecting the deeper positions with the higher positions. He is a key player and super important,” Tuchel told the BBC.
Other selection dilemmas
Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back following injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Tuchel also faces decisions on both flanks, with Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka competing on the right, and Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon on the left.
