Wayne Rooney has weighed in on England’s midfield debate ahead of their World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday — and he wants Kobbie Mainoo starting.

The Case for Mainoo

The former England captain says he would pick Mainoo alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in a midfield three, dropping Elliot Anderson.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United and England striker explained his reasoning: “I’d go with Declan Rice sitting, and I’d go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham.”

“Mainoo can give you a bit of both, but in tight areas, that’s Mainoo’s biggest strength — his feet in tight areas, and then he has got a little pass,” Rooney said. “He’s the only one who is capable of doing that in those tight areas.”

Mainoo’s Road Back

The 21-year-old Manchester United midfielder has had a difficult period. He had not won a competitive cap for England since September 2024, having fallen out of the United squad under former manager Ruben Amorim.

But things turned around under Michael Carrick, who restored Mainoo to the United starting lineup. That form earned him a recall to the England squad, and he featured in four friendlies leading up to the tournament.

Despite that momentum, Mainoo has yet to get on the pitch at this World Cup — he did not appear in any of England’s three group matches.

Anderson’s Record Move

Anderson has been England’s first-choice in midfield throughout the group stage, starting all three matches in Group L. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is reportedly close to a club-record £116 million move to Manchester City.

Rooney acknowledged the quality Anderson brings but also sounded a note of caution about big-money transfers: “He’s a fantastic player. I’m gutted Manchester United didn’t get him, but we’ve seen it when players go for big-money moves — like Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish to some extent — they sometimes don’t fit in.”

Heskey Questions Henderson Over Mainoo

Former England striker Emile Heskey, also on the show, expressed surprise that manager Thomas Tuchel turned to 36-year-old Jordan Henderson rather than Mainoo to see out the 2-0 group win over Panama.

“I was surprised Jordan Henderson was in the squad,” Heskey said. “To see out the game you bring on a 30-something-year-old and not a 20-something-year-old to do the same.”

“He probably has three more tournaments ahead of him and can grow into the tournament. I’m not sure how I’d feel as Kobbie Mainoo.”

What’s Next for England

England face DR Congo in the last-32 on Wednesday at 17:00 BST, live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live. The match gives Tuchel a chance to rotate, but the midfield selection will be closely watched.

Rooney also noted that Bellingham’s role could shift depending on the opponent: “Against a team with a low block you can play Bellingham deeper. He’s a player with intensity, desire and drive. Morgan Rogers is better suited with his back to goal than Bellingham. Against bigger teams you’ll see Jude in that position.”

The debate highlights the depth England now enjoy in midfield — a luxury that could prove vital as the knockout rounds progress.