Rio Ferdinand believes Thomas Tuchel should make a bold midfield change for England’s final World Cup group-stage clash against Panama by bringing Kobbie Mainoo into the starting line-up.
The former Manchester United and England defender feels the Three Lions lacked creativity in Tuesday’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana and has questioned whether Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson can provide the control needed against teams defending deep.
England head into Saturday night’s showdown in New York needing a victory to guarantee top spot in Group L after following up their entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia with a disappointing stalemate.
Tuchel has already hinted that further rotation could be on the cards, while Reece James is expected to miss out because of injury.
But Ferdinand believes midfield should be the area targeted for change.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the 47-year-old argued that Rice and Anderson possess too many similar qualities and suggested Mainoo would offer a better balance.
“If we play Anderson and Rice in midfield, we’re not a team that can control a game or do quick transitions through the pitch because I don’t think that’s their best assets,” Ferdinand said.
“They’re great at retrieving the ball and stopping.
Rio Ferdinand believes Thomas Tuchel should make a bold midfield change for England’s final World Cup group-stage clash against Panama by bringing Kobbie Mainoo into the starting line-up
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Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson pictured in England training at the World Cup
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“We saw some great stuff, especially Anderson, in terms of turnovers and winning the ball back and then setting us off again.
“But being able to get the ball off the back line and transfer it through the team, precisely through the lines, into the more dangerous areas of the final third, those players, that’s not their first call and their best attributes as players.”
Ferdinand believes Mainoo’s composure in possession and ability to carry the ball through pressure would make him the ideal option against Panama.
“So, who do we have to do that?” he continued.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
“I thought, especially in the group stages, Kobbie Mainoo was one of the players who could come in and do that because his ability to beat the press first and then play or dribble through the press is better than Declan and Anderson because that’s part of his game.”
Mainoo forced his way into England’s World Cup squad after impressing during the second half of the season under Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
Yet the 21-year-old has not featured at all in North America and Ferdinand admitted he remains unsure whether Rice or Anderson should make way.
“Before a ball was kicked, I would have played Rice as the holder, and I’d have played Kobbie Mainoo alongside him and the one to be able to transfer the ball,” he said.
“You got to look at past tournaments as well. Kobbie Mainoo’s best football that he’s played in his whole career was at Euro 2024 on the international scene.
“He was our best player then. He was getting likened to Clarence Seedorf, one of the best players of a generation.
“Certain players suit international football and by that I mean international football plays at a slower pace for most of the game.
“Who can switch pace of the game either running with the ball or passing it through the lines? Kobbie Mainoo is that guy.
Rio Ferdinand feels England should potentially use Jude Bellingham in a deeper midfield role
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“He can do that. He’s proved it in national level. Declan Rice and Anderson are great at other parts of the game, but their games are too similar.”
Ferdinand also endorsed the idea of moving Jude Bellingham into a deeper role, which could allow another attacking midfielder, such as Morgan Rogers, to start.
“All through his career, he’s played in various different midfield positions,” Ferdinand added. “He’s a Swiss Army knife.
“He can do any of those jobs. If you want him to hold, if you want him to be an eight, if you want him to be a 10, he can do all of them. And I think he can do all of them equally as good.”
