Rooney backs Mainoo to start over Anderson for England

Wayne Rooney would start Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Elliot Anderson when England face DR Congo in their World Cup last-32 tie. His preferred midfield would have Declan Rice holding, with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham operating ahead of him.

Rooney’s argument centres on Mainoo’s ability to handle crowded midfield spaces and move the ball under pressure. Mainoo has not played a competitive England match since September 2024, but he returned to form at Manchester United under Michael Carrick, featured in England’s recent friendlies and remained unused during the group stage.

Anderson, by contrast, started all three of England’s Group L matches and is reported to be close to a £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. Emile Heskey cautioned that such a fee can shape how a player is judged, while Rooney still praised Anderson and said he wished Manchester United had signed him.

The debate also touches on England’s broader midfield balance. Heskey questioned why Jordan Henderson was used late in the win over Panama instead of Mainoo, while Rooney suggested Bellingham can play deeper against opponents who defend in numbers and that England do not always need Rice and Anderson together as defensive-minded midfielders.