Former England captain Wayne Rooney has called on manager Thomas Tuchel to hand Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo a starting berth for Wednesday's FIFA World Cup 2026 last-32 encounter with DR Congo, preferring him over Elliot Anderson.

Mainoo had fallen out of favour under former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim but rediscovered his form when Michael Carrick took charge, earning a recall to the England squad. The 21-year-old featured in each of England's four pre-tournament friendlies, yet remained unused off the bench throughout the group stage.

Rooney's preferred midfield trio

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney laid out the three-man midfield he would select: