Home World USA Latin America Europe Asia Africa TV Shows Showbiz Travel Lifestyle Opinion Science Politics Health Sports Tech Entertainment Business
Sports July 1, 2026

England's Managerial Mistake: Wayne Rooney Calls for Retired Defender's Input After Crucial DR Congo Win

England's Managerial Mistake: Wayne Rooney Calls for Retired Defender's Input After Crucial DR Congo Win

England's defense was put to the test in their match against DR Congo, with the team ultimately relying on Harry Kane's heroics to secure a 2-1 victory in Atlanta.

Kane's two goals were a welcome relief for England, who had fallen behind early in the match. The Bayern Munich striker's performance was a testament to his ability to drag his team out of trouble, and he will be crucial in the team's next match against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday night.

Ex-England captain Rooney has questioned the team's decision not to recall Kyle Walker from retirement, citing the veteran fullback's experience and ability as a game-changer for the team. Rooney stated that the minute Tino Livramento got injured, the team should have been straight on the phone to Walker, as his absence could cost them dearly in the tournament.

Walker's potential recall has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with Micah Richards expressing concern over the team's right-back position. Richards questioned Tuchel's decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, citing the Liverpool player's quality and ability to offer something different in the game.

Richards also highlighted the issue of Declan Rice being used as a makeshift option at right-back, fearing that the midfielder's pace and power in the midfield area would be lost. He believes that England need to address this issue if they want to progress further in the tournament.

Kane himself praised England's second-half substitutes for making a difference in the match, and emphasized the importance of grinding out wins in the later stages of the tournament. He expressed his delight at being captain for a record-breaking 91st time and urged the team to enjoy their victory before focusing on their next match.

England v DR Congo - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 England Portraits - UEFA EURO 2024

Share this article

UMVA MAG

UMVA Mag is your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories from around the world. Covering politics, business, technology, entertainment, sports, health, science, and more — we deliver journalism that matters.

Independent, Accurate, Unbiased
24/7 Breaking News Coverage
Trusted by Millions Worldwide