Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has explained why Thomas Tuchel must start Kobbie Mainoo in midfield against Congo. England face the Leopards at the Atalanta Stadium on Wednesday 1 July in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
The Three Lions progressed to the knockout stages by finishing at the top of Group L, courtesy of a run of two wins and one draw in the group stage. However, one of the big talking points has been Tuchel's reluctance to use Mainoo , who is coming off a spectacular campaign with United.
The English midfielder enjoyed a new lease of life following the arrival of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford in January. Mainoo was an omnipresent figure under the English manager, finishing with one goal and three ****** ists in 30 appearances and helping the Red Devils secure third place in the Premier League.
Source: Transfermarkt .
Unfortunately, his efforts have not been enough to convince Tuchel, who has preferred ****** nal 's Declan Rice and Nottingham Forest 's Elliot Anderson as his midfield pairing. Rooney, however, believes it is imperative that the German manager includes Mainoo in the starting XI for the upcoming game.