Wayne Rooney wants Thomas Tuchel to make a bold midfield call for England’s Round of 32 World Cup match against DR Congo on July 1. The former Manchester United and England captain said he would start Kobbie Mainoo alongside Jude Bellingham, with Declan Rice sitting deep behind them.
Rooney made the case on his podcast, arguing that Mainoo’s ability to operate in tight spaces is something no other midfielder in the squad can replicate. “In tight areas, that’s Mainoo’s biggest strength — his feet in tight areas, and then he has got a little pass,” Rooney said. “I think he’s the only one who is capable of doing that.”
Mainoo hasn’t played a competitive game for England since September 2024, which makes this a risky suggestion for a knockout match. But Rooney believes the 21-year-old can handle it. He would bench Elliot Anderson, who started for England against Panama and is reportedly close to leaving Nottingham Forest for Manchester City.
Rice expected to return after rest
Declan Rice didn’t start that 2-0 win over Panama because of injury concerns in the buildup. Tuchel gave him the night off, and by all accounts the Arsenal midfielder is fit and ready for Sunday. BBC Sport reported Rice is expected to be available.
Rooney wants Rice in the lineup as the anchor. “I’d go with Declan Rice sitting, and I’d go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham,” he said. That’s a midfield three that leans young and technical, but Rooney thinks the balance works because Mainoo can play both ways.
Not everyone agrees. Paul Scholes made a different argument on his podcast, saying England doesn’t need two holding midfielders against DR Congo. “No disrespect to Congo but in those type of games you play as many attackers as possible,” Scholes said. He would pick Anderson over Rice, arguing Anderson passes forward more consistently.
Scholes took a subtle shot at Rice’s fit in this England team, pointing out that Arsenal didn’t play great soccer last season and that Rice sometimes struggled to get Martin Odegaard involved. “I think it has to be a straight shootout between Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, and I think I would just go with Anderson,” Scholes said.
Heskey questions Henderson cameo
Emile Heskey raised eyebrows at Tuchel bringing on Jordan Henderson instead of Mainoo late in the Panama game. The former Liverpool striker said it was strange to see a 34-year-old midfielder get minutes when Mainoo could have used the reps. “He probably has three more tournaments ahead of him and can grow into this one,” Heskey said. “I’m not sure how I’d feel as Kobbie Mainoo.”
England enters this match as heavy favorites. DR Congo is a tough physical side but the Three Lions have significantly more talent on paper. The question for Tuchel is whether he trusts Mainoo enough to play him in a do-or-die game.
Anderson has been Tuchel’s guy so far this tournament. But Rooney and others are making noise, and with Rice healthy again, something has to give in the midfield.
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