England’s last-32 World Cup clash with DR Congo kicks off at 5pm on Wednesday, a teatime start that will allow thousands of schoolchildren to watch the Three Lions after finishing lessons. The late 9pm kick-offs for England’s group games against Croatia and Ghana meant many younger fans missed seeing Harry Kane and his teammates in action live unless their parents allowed a very late bedtime. But Wednesday’s earlier start, broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live, means youngsters can enjoy the game after school. Chris Spratt, headteacher at Loudwater Combined School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, said his pupils, aged four to 11, “are really, really excited about the game and about the World Cup in general.” The school has woven the tournament into lessons, focusing on different regions and hosting special visitors, including someone who attended England’s 1966 World Cup final. Some pupils have asked to come in wearing England kit, but Spratt said he would “leave that until we reach to the final,” though he admitted he is “easily persuaded.” The timing, however, may pose challenges for workers: discount website Vouchercodes predicts 3.5 million people will watch from pubs and bars, with fans expected to spend £276.3 million in shops, including £157.1 million on snacks and drinks, while £64.8 million goes to hospitality from those dashing to pubs after work.
On the pitch, former England captain Wayne Rooney has weighed in on the midfield selection for the tie. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said he would start Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo instead of Elliot Anderson, who is close to joining Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for a club record £116m. Mainoo, 21, has not won a competitive England cap since September 2024 after dropping out of the United team under former manager Ruben Amorim, but regained his place under Michael Carrick and played in the past four friendlies. He failed to make it off the bench in the group games, while Anderson started all three Group L matches. “I’d go with Declan Rice sitting, and I’d go with Mainoo and Jude Bellingham,” Rooney said. “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. I think he’s the only one who is capable of doing that in those tight areas.”
“Rooney picks Mainoo over Anderson for England's 5pm World Cup clash, allowing school kids to watch.”
Former England striker Emile Heskey, also on the show, expressed surprise that manager Thomas Tuchel turned to 36-year-old Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson and not Mainoo for the closing stages of the 2-0 group win over Panama. “I was surprised Jordan Henderson was in the squad,” Heskey said. “And 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.” Rooney added that against a low block like Panama, Bellingham could play deeper, and suggested Morgan Rogers is better suited with his back to goal than Bellingham. On Anderson’s potential record move, Heskey said: “You have to look past the price tag. The beating stick is always going to be the price tag.” Rooney called Anderson “a fantastic player” but added: “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.” Asked about Rice and Anderson playing as defensive midfielders in the Ghana game, Rooney said: “In the Ghana game I don’t think it was needed.”