Wayne Rooney has called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to make a surprise change to the starting lineup for Wednesday's World Cup clash against DR Congo, dropping Elliot Anderson in favour of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Rooney's recommendation
Speaking on the BBC, Rooney explained his reasoning: 'I personally would play him tomorrow because as good and as much quality as they've got, one of their qualities is not really playing in tight areas and Kobbie Mainoo can play in tight areas. That's his biggest strength, I believe.'
Rooney pointed to Mainoo's performances in big matches, including the FA Cup final against Manchester City and games against Liverpool, where he has shown an ability to operate in congested spaces and unlock defences.
'We've seen it against Man City in the FA Cup final, we've seen it against Liverpool, we've seen him score some goals in little tight areas around the penalty box. Because we haven't got [Phil] Foden there, we haven't got Cole Palmer there. I think he's one player that can play in tight areas and unlock a defence,' Rooney added.
England's struggles against low blocks
England have struggled to create chances in recent matches, particularly against teams that defend deep. Rooney believes Mainoo's unique skill set could be the key to breaking down DR Congo's defence, which is expected to employ a low block.
'I'd play Declan Rice and leave Elliot Anderson out of the starting line-up. Even though he's done brilliant. You've got a squad for a reason, you've got a squad because when you come up against opposition that play in different ways, I think, as we have struggled in the last two games against teams who do play a low block, you need someone who has that little bit of ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and then unlock the defence,' Rooney said.
Mainoo's World Cup involvement
Mainoo played in pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica but has yet to feature in the World Cup itself. A start against DR Congo would be a surprise, but Rooney argues that England need his creativity after struggling to break down Ghana in a previous match.
Tuchel has confirmed that Declan Rice will start after being rested against Panama due to fitness and suspension concerns. 'Yeah. Of course. We always miss Declan [when he doesn't play]. He is one of the best midfielders in connecting the deeper positions with the higher positions. He is a key player and super important,' Tuchel told the BBC.
Team selection dilemmas
Tuchel faces several other selection decisions. Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. On the wings, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka are competing on the right, while Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon will start on the left.
England face DR Congo in Atlanta, Georgia, with a place in the last 16 at stake. The match kicks off on Wednesday afternoon.
