Rooney suggests Mainoo over Anderson for England vs DR Congo
7 reported
Former England captain Wayne Rooney stated he would start Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo instead of Elliot Anderson in England’s World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo. Mainoo has not won a competitive cap since September 2024 and dropped out of the United team under former manager Ruben Amorim, but regained his place under Michael Carrick and played in four recent friendlies without appearing in group games. Anderson, who is close to joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116m, started all three group matches. Rooney discussed his preferred midfield on The Wayne Rooney Show, saying he would pick Declan Rice sitting with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham. Former England striker Emile Heskey expressed surprise that manager Thomas Tuchel chose 36-year-old Jordan Henderson over Mainoo to close out the 2-0 win over Panama. The match kicks off at 17:00 BST and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.
What’s reported
Wayne Rooney said he would start Kobbie Mainoo over Elliot Anderson for England’s World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo.
Mainoo has not won a competitive cap since September 2024 and dropped out of Manchester United’s team under Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo regained his place under Michael Carrick and played in four friendlies but did not appear in group games.
Elliot Anderson started all three group matches and is close to joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116m.
Rooney said his midfield would be Declan Rice sitting, with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham.
Emile Heskey said he was surprised Thomas Tuchel brought on Jordan Henderson instead of Mainoo to close the 2-0 win over Panama.
The match kicks off at 17:00 BST on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Key figures
Wayne Rooney, former England captain
Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United midfielder
Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest midfielder (close to joining Manchester City)
Ruben Amorim, former Manchester United manager
Michael Carrick, Manchester United manager
Declan Rice, England midfielder
Jude Bellingham, England midfielder
Emile Heskey, former England striker
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
Jordan Henderson, Brentford midfielder
Sources: BBC News
