England face DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday, and the biggest question for manager Thomas Tuchel is who to start in midfield: Kobbie Mainoo or Elliot Anderson. The debate, sparked by former England captain Wayne Rooney, cuts to the heart of a larger issue for the Three Lions as they navigate a knockout tournament where defensive opponents and high stakes demand both creativity and composure.
England topped Group L after a 2-0 win over Panama, but their performances have been mixed. A goalless draw with Ghana exposed struggles against a low block, and former striker Alan Shearer warned that DR Congo will likely employ similar tactics: "defensive and they will try and hit England on the break." The team has relied on individual moments of magic, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham scoring against Panama. Midfield balance is critical: Tuchel needs players who can unlock tight spaces while protecting against counter-attacks.
“Explains England's midfield choice between Mainoo and Anderson for their World Cup round of 32 match against DR Congo.”
Kobbie Mainoo, 21, is a Manchester United midfielder who has not played a competitive minute at this World Cup. He lost his place under former United manager Ruben Amorim but regained form under Michael Carrick, earning call-ups to England friendlies. However, he failed to make it off the bench in the group stage. Wayne Rooney argues Mainoo should start over Anderson because "in tight areas, that's Mainoo's biggest strength - his feet in tight areas, and then he has got a little pass." Rooney would pair him with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Elliot Anderson, 23, started all three group matches and was praised by Shearer as "superb" against Panama. He is on the verge of a record £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City, which would be a club record for City and potentially a British record (£130m with bonuses). Anderson joined Forest for £35m from Newcastle in 2024, forced out due to profit and sustainability rules. This season he led the Premier League in touches (3,300), possession won (306), duels won (297), and fouls drawn (80). Despite his form, Rooney and former striker Emile Heskey have questioned Tuchel's selection choices, with Heskey surprised that 36-year-old Jordan Henderson was brought on to close out the Panama win instead of Mainoo.
The round of 32 has already seen surprises: the Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties, and Germany lost to Paraguay on spot-kicks. England's path could lead to Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16. The pressure is on Tuchel to get his midfield right.
Q: Why is Kobbie Mainoo not playing at the World Cup? Mainoo has not featured in any of England's group games despite being in the squad. He lost his starting place at Manchester United under former manager Ruben Amorim but regained form under Michael Carrick, earning call-ups to friendlies. Thomas Tuchel has preferred Elliot Anderson and brought on Jordan Henderson as a substitute.
Q: What is Elliot Anderson's playing style and why is he so expensive? Anderson is a defensive midfielder who excels at winning possession and duels. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he had the most touches (3,300), won possession most often (306 times), won the most duels (297), and drew the most fouls (80). His £116m move to Manchester City would be a club record and could become a British record if add-ons push it to £130m.
Q: What tactics can England expect from DR Congo? DR Congo are expected to defend deep and counter-attack, similar to Ghana and Panama. Alan Shearer warned: "they're going to play the same as Ghana and Panama have today, where it will be defensive and they will try and hit England on the break." England struggled to break down Ghana and needed individual brilliance against Panama.
What happens next: England face DR Congo on Wednesday at 17:00 BST in Atlanta, live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live. The winner plays Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16. Tuchel's lineup will be revealed before kick-off, and the midfield decision between Mainoo and Anderson will be a key talking point.