Rooney Urges England to Start Mainoo, 21, Over Anderson in DR Congo Last-32 Tie

Q: Will England’s manager gamble on Rooney’s prodigy or stick with veteran experience for the World Cup knockout tie?

Tuchel looks more likely to stick with the players he has trusted so far, rather than make a knockout-stage leap on Kobbie Mainoo. The strongest evidence is selection history. Mainoo has not played in England’s three group matches, while Elliot Anderson started all three and has become a regular under Tuchel since late 2025. Predicted lineups for the DR Congo tie also point to Rice returning alongside Anderson, with Bellingham ahead of them. That suggests continuity, not a late tactical gamble. Rooney’s case for Mainoo is still credible. England struggled at times against low blocks, and Rooney’s argument is that Mainoo’s close control and short passing could help unlock compact defenses. Heskey’s criticism of Henderson replacing him against Panama also underlines that there is surprise Mainoo has not been used at all, especially given his age and upside. But Tuchel’s recent decisions show he values reliability and structure in tournament football. He has leaned on Henderson’s leadership off the bench, trusts Anderson’s current form, and is expected to restore Declan Rice if fit. In knockout football, managers usually favor established patterns unless there is an injury or a clear tactical need. So the likeliest outcome is that Mainoo remains an option rather than a starter, with Tuchel preferring Rice, Anderson and Bellingham. If England need more craft against a deep DR Congo block, Mainoo’s best chance may come from the bench rather than from kickoff.

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 30

Wayne Rooney said Kobbie Mainoo should start Wednesday's World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo, pairing the 21-year-old with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
Mainoo has not played in England's three group games despite featuring in the past four friendlies, and Rooney argued he is uniquely effective in tight spaces and can unlock low-block defenses.
Emile Heskey backed that case after England's 2-0 win over Panama, saying he was surprised Thomas Tuchel used 36-year-old Jordan Henderson late on instead of Mainoo.
Rooney also questioned using both Rice and Elliot Anderson as defensive midfielders against weaker opponents, while Heskey said Anderson's reported £116 million move to Manchester City should not define judgments on his England displays.