World Cup 2026: Wayne Rooney would start with Kobbie Mainoo against Democratic Republic of Congo

Former England captain Wayne Rooney said he would select Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo instead of Elliot Anderson for the World Cup round of 16 game against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mainoo has not appeared for the national team in a competition since September 2024, after losing place in the United squad under former coach Ruben Amorim. However, under the command of Michael Carrick, the 21-year-old regained his place at Manchester United and, consequently, in the national team, participating in England's last four friendlies, although he was not used in the group stage matches.

Anderson, who is set to join Manchester City for a record £116 million, started all three Group L games. During The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney commented on his midfield selection: "I would start with Declan Rice in the defensive position, and put Mainoo and Jude Bellingham. Mainoo can offer a bit of both, but in tight areas, he stands out - his touches in tight spaces and his ability to pass the ball. I believe he is the only one capable of doing this in these situations."


The match is scheduled for 5pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live. Former England striker Emile Heskey also took part in the discussion and expressed surprise at seeing manager Thomas Tuchel opt for 36-year-old Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson over Mainoo in the closing stages of the 2-0 win over Panama. "I was surprised that Jordan Henderson was in the squad. To finish the game, you go for a player in his 30s and not a 20-year-old. He probably has three more tournaments to go and can develop during the tournament. I don't know how I would feel if it was Kobbie Mainoo," Heskey said.

Regarding the Panama game, Rooney said: "Against a team with a low defense, you can use Bellingham in a deeper position. He is a player with intensity, desire and motivation. Morgan Rogers is better suited to playing with his back to goal than Bellingham. Against bigger teams, you will see Jude in that position." Heskey also commented on Anderson's potential record transfer and his performances for England, saying: "You need to look beyond the price. What always weighs in is the value of the transfer." Rooney added: "He's a fantastic player. I'm disappointed that Manchester United couldn't sign him, but we've seen that when players make big transfers - like Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, to some extent - they [sometimes] don't fit in." Asked about Rice and Anderson acting as midfielders, Rooney commented: "In the Ghana game, I didn't think it was necessary."