Rooney wants to see Mainoo over Anderson vs. Congo

The ex-England captain Wayne Rooney reveals he would start Red Devils midfielder Kobbie Mainoo instead of Elliot Anderson in tomorrow’s World Cup 1/16 final against DR Congo.

Kobbie has not appeared in a match for the national team since the autumn of 2024, having dropped out of the Man United team under ex-head coach Ruben Amorim.

However, under Michael Carrick, the midfielder won his place back in the starting 11 and then appeared in 4 friendlies for England, but is yet to play at the World Cup.

Anderson, who is close to joining the Sky Blues from Nottingham Forest for a team record 116 million pounds, started all 3 games in the group phase.

However, Rooney thinks that Mainoo would be a better choice: “I would select in the midfield Mainoo and Jude Bellingham.”

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Wayne Rooney says he would start Kobbie Mainoo instead of Elliot Anderson in Wednesday's World Cup game against DR Congo 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🗣️

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— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 30, 2026