Wayne Rooney has urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to drop Noni Madueke from the starting lineup and restore Marcus Rashford for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Speaking on his BBC podcast, the former England striker also advocated for tactical adjustments to counter the reigning champions, including deploying Jude Bellingham in a three-man midfield and starting Djed Spence at left-back to deal with Lionel Messi.
Rooney's tactical recommendations
Rooney, England's second-highest goalscorer, said he was 'intrigued' to see Tuchel's team selection ahead of the clash in Atlanta. He praised Tuchel's bold decisions in the quarter-final against Norway, where the manager deployed a right-back in central midfield and a centre-back at right-back, but stressed the need to focus on England's strengths rather than worrying about Argentina. 'I think he'll go the other way and I think he'll focus on our strengths and how we can hurt Argentina,' Rooney said. 'I think that's the best way to go.'
Rooney specifically recommended dropping Jude Bellingham into a three-man midfield and starting Rashford and Anthony Gordon on the wings to provide pace. 'I'd drop Jude into a three man midfield and I'd actually – he [Tuchel] won't do it – but I'd go with Rashford and Gordon. Rashford off the right and Gordon off the left, just have runners,' Rooney explained. He also suggested playing Djed Spence at left-back to counter Messi's tendency to drift inside from the right wing.
Fitness concerns for key defenders
Rooney also addressed the fitness of Reece James and John Stones, both of whom have been recovering from injuries. James came off the bench against Norway, but Rooney believes the Chelsea captain must start if fit. 'Listen, you've got to play the game, you can't be holding him back thinking we'll need him for the final. You've got to play the game in front of you and if Thomas Tuchel thinks he's the best right-back we've got… if Reece James is fit, he plays,' Rooney said. He echoed the same sentiment for Stones, adding that the centre-back's recovery from the previous match would be key.
Support from Michael Owen
Rooney's call was echoed by former England striker Michael Owen, who also urged Tuchel to drop Madueke following a disappointing display against Norway. However, Owen advocated for Bukayo Saka to start in place of Madueke, citing Saka's encouraging performance in the quarter-final. 'I think the right-wing position is where he should look to change. Both Saka and Madueke like to run at their defender and beat their man. Obviously, Saka is coming back from an injury and just building his way back into the tournament, but my inkling would be that Saka would start in this one. It feels too big a game to not have him starting,' Owen told Metro.
England's path to the semi-final
England reached the semi-finals after a dramatic extra-time victory over Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the 93rd minute. The Three Lions had gone behind to Andreas Schjelderup's 36th-minute strike before Bellingham equalised on the stroke of half-time. The winner of the semi-final will face Spain, who defeated France in the other semi-final.
