Rooney Urges Tuchel to Start Mainoo as England Prepare for DR Congo
High-profile calls highlight a debate over England's midfield balance that could influence Tuchel's knockout selection.
Overview
- Kobbie Mainoo has not played at the 2026 World Cup and faces fresh calls to start after Wayne Rooney said he would pick Mainoo ahead of Elliot Anderson for the Round of 32 tie with DR Congo.
- Rooney made his selection case on The Wayne Rooney Show, saying Mainoo offers tight‑area skill and a delicate pass that could break down low defensive blocks.
- Broad pundit criticism has followed Tuchel's choices, with BBC Radio Manchester hosts and former players describing Mainoo's lack of minutes as 'insulting' and questioning the use of veteran Jordan Henderson as a substitute.
- Tuchel has favoured a Declan Rice–Elliot Anderson midfield partnership through the group stage, and Anderson has started all three group games while Rice was managed for fitness issues.
- The selection debate is amplified by club context: Mainoo earned his England recall after a strong second half of the 2025/26 season under Michael Carrick, and Anderson is linked to a reported big‑money move to Manchester City, which feeds public scrutiny of Tuchel's choices.