Rooney urges England to start Mainoo over Anderson against DR Congo

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has said he would start Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Elliot Anderson in England's World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday.

Mainoo, 21, has not won a competitive cap for England since September 2024, having dropped out of the Manchester United team under former manager Ruben Amorim. However, under Michael Carrick, he regained his place at club level and subsequently returned to the England squad, featuring in four friendlies but failing to get off the bench during the group stage.

Anderson, who is close to joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116 million, started all three of England's Group L matches.

Rooney's midfield selection

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney outlined his preferred midfield for the knockout clash: "I'd go with Declan Rice sitting, and I'd go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham."

He highlighted Mainoo's technical qualities as the deciding factor: "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."

Heskey questions Tuchel's use of Henderson

Former England striker Emile Heskey, also appearing on the show, expressed surprise that head coach Thomas Tuchel turned to 36-year-old Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson instead of Mainoo to see out the 2-0 group win 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 on Bellingham and Rogers

Discussing the Panama match, Rooney suggested tactical flexibility with Bellingham: "Against a team with a low block you can play Bellingham deeper. He's a player with intensity, desire and drive."

He added that Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers might be better suited to a role with his back to goal: "Morgan Rogers is better suited with his back to goal than Bellingham. Against bigger teams you'll see Jude in that position."

Anderson's record move and fit

On Anderson's potential £116 million transfer and his performances for England, Heskey cautioned: "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 expressed reservations about big-money moves: "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."

When asked about Rice and Anderson playing together as defensive midfielders, Rooney said: "In the Ghana game I don't think it was needed."

The match against DR Congo kicks off at 17:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.