England face DR Congo in the World Cup last-32, but the big talking point isn't the opposition — it's who should start in midfield. Former captain Wayne Rooney has weighed in, arguing that Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo should get the nod over Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who is on the verge of a record £116m move to Manchester City.
The basics: England topped Group L and now face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday at 17:00 BST, live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live. The match is a knockout tie — lose and you're out. The midfield pivot alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham is up for grabs. Anderson started all three group games; Mainoo hasn't played a minute at the tournament yet. Rooney, speaking on his show, said he'd pick Mainoo: "I'd go with Declan Rice sitting, and I'd go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham."
“England's World Cup last-32 midfield selection: Mainoo vs Anderson explained.”
Why the debate exists: Mainoo, 21, burst onto the scene at Manchester United under Michael Carrick, winning his England place back and playing in four friendlies. But he dropped out of the United team under former manager Ruben Amorim, then failed to make it off the bench in England's group games. Anderson, meanwhile, has been ever-present — and his impending record transfer to City has put extra scrutiny on his performances. Former England striker Emile Heskey expressed surprise that manager Thomas Tuchel turned to 36-year-old Jordan Henderson instead of Mainoo to see out the 2-0 win over Panama. "He probably has three more tournaments ahead of him and can grow into the tournament," Heskey said.
Why it matters for UK readers: England fans are desperate for a deep World Cup run. The midfield choice could define the team's style against a physical DR Congo side. Mainoo's "biggest strength is his feet in tight areas", according to Rooney, who says he's "the only one who is capable of doing that in those tight areas". Anderson offers energy but may not have the same close control. Rooney also noted that against a low block, Bellingham can drop deeper, with Morgan Rogers better suited with back to goal. The decision — and the reaction to it — will dominate talk shows and pub debates across the country.
Key questions answered: Q: Why hasn't Kobbie Mainoo played at the World Cup yet? Mainoo dropped out of the Manchester United team under former manager Ruben Amorim, then lost his place in the England squad. He won his spot back under Michael Carrick and played in four friendlies, but hasn't featured in any of England's three group games at this World Cup — he remained an unused substitute in all of them.
Q: Is Elliot Anderson really moving to Manchester City for £116m? The transfer is close to being completed — that fee would be a club record for Nottingham Forest. Rooney said he's "gutted Manchester United didn't get him" but warned about big-money moves, citing Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish as examples of players who "don't fit in."
Q: What did Wayne Rooney say about the midfield he'd pick against DR Congo? Rooney said he'd start Declan Rice as a sitting midfielder, with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham ahead. He praised Mainoo's ability in tight spaces, saying he's the only England midfielder capable of that. Against a team like DR Congo, he believes Bellingham can play deeper if needed.
What happens next: The match kicks off at 17:00 BST on Wednesday. Tuchel's team selection will be announced an hour before. If England win, they face Paraguay or another opponent in the last 16. Defeat means elimination. Meanwhile, Manchester United will be watching closely — Mainoo's future at club level is secure under Carrick, while Anderson's record move to City is expected to be confirmed shortly after the tournament.