The report says Rooney is more concerned about England’s defence than the absences of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Reece James started the opening group matches against Croatia and Ghana, then missed the 2-0 win over Panama with a reported thigh problem.
He is also expected to miss the knockout match against DR Congo, leaving Tuchel to reshuffle a back line already questioned by Rooney. The former captain’s argument is straightforward: James remains a high-level player, but his availability has become impossible to take for granted.
Rooney also questioned the decision to select James and Trevoh Chalobah, particularly after Tino Livramento was ruled out before the tournament. The report says he viewed Chalobah’s inclusion as a surprise and believed Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall offered a better balance.
Djed Spence is expected to fill the right-back role against DR Congo. Rooney has argued that Spence should be used there rather than moved elsewhere, while also criticising Jarell Quansah in that position. Asked about using Declan Rice on the flank, Rooney’s response was brief: “Espero que não”.
Despite his defensive concerns, Rooney believes England’s best route to the title runs through Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
“Se vencermos o torneio, será por causa deles, mais por Harry Kane do meu ponto de vista”, Rooney said. He sees Bellingham as capable of lifting those around him and deciding major matches, but considers Kane’s goals the crucial ingredient.
The next test against DR Congo will show whether Tuchel can stabilise the defence without James. If England advance, Mexico or Ecuador could await, making the balance between defensive reliability and attacking star power even more important.