Rooney: Mainoo Should Start Over Anderson Against DR Congo

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has stated he would pick Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo over Elliot Anderson for England's upcoming World Cup Round of 16 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday.

Mainoo, who has yet to feature in this World Cup, hadn't played an official match for England since September 2024, having lost his starting spot at United under former manager Ruben Amorim. However, under new boss Michael Carrick, the 21-year-old has reclaimed his position for both club and country. He participated in the last four international friendlies but remained on the bench for all three group stage matches.

Anderson, on the other hand, is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116 million fee and started all three of England's Group L fixtures.

On his show, "The Wayne Rooney Show," Rooney discussed his midfield preferences: "I'd go with Declan Rice as the holding midfielder, with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham ahead of him."

"Mainoo can offer a bit of both, but his greatest strength is operating in tight spaces – his close control in small areas, followed by an accurate pass. I think he's the only one capable of doing that in such situations," Rooney added.

Former England striker Emile Heskey, also a guest on the show, expressed his surprise that manager Tuchel opted for 36-year-old Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson over Mainoo in the closing minutes of England's 2-0 group stage victory over Panama.

"I was surprised Jordan Henderson was even in the squad," Heskey said. "And to close out the game, you bring on a player over 30, not a 20-year-old who can do the same job. He probably has three more tournaments ahead of him and can grow with the team. I don't know how I'd feel if I were Kobbie Mainoo."

Analyzing the Panama match, Rooney noted: "Against a team that defends in a low block, you can use Bellingham deeper. He's a player with intensity, desire, and drive. Morgan Rogers is better suited to playing with his back to goal than Bellingham. Against bigger teams, we'll see Jude in that position."

Regarding Anderson's potential record transfer and his performances for England, Heskey commented: "We have to look beyond the price tag. The price tag will always be the stick they beat him with."

"He's a fantastic player," Rooney added. "It annoys me that Manchester United didn't sign him, but we've seen what happens when players move for huge sums – like Kalvin Phillips and, to some extent, Jack Grealish – sometimes they just don't fit."

When asked about the partnership between Rice and Anderson as defensive midfielders, Rooney was emphatic: "In the match against Ghana, I don't think that was necessary."