Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has made his full assessment of what he has seen from his initial tournament favourites to win the World Cup this summer.
Speaking ahead of FIFA’s latest international competition, Wayne Rooney predicted that England would be going the full distance at the World Cup in North America.
England are top of Group L after their opening two matches under Thomas Tuchel, with the Three Lions kicking off their World Cup campaign by beating Croatia.
Following England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia earlier this month, the Three Lions were subsequently held to a disappointing 0-0 draw against Ghana at the World Cup.
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Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney reveals what Thomas Tuchel’s biggest asset is for England amid the 2026 World Cup
England are within touching distance of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup tournament after their win and draw against Croatia and Ghana respectively.
Thomas Tuchel’s men will play their final Group L match on Saturday and will be hopeful to punch their ticket to the round-of-32 stage of the World Cup.
Wayne Rooney was asked what he felt was England’s biggest strength, with the Manchester United legend turning his attention to the depth of quality on the bench.
“I think the underrated strength is probably the bench,” the BBC Sport pundit said in a Reddit ‘AMA.’
“There’s been a lot of talk about Thomas Tuchel’s squad, but I think we’ve already seen in the first game that the strength of the players coming off the bench can really have an impact.”
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Former Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney is worried about England’s defence at the World Cup under Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel, who had been linked with Manchester United in the past, is leading the Three Lions in his first tournament as England boss after his 2025 appointment.
Former Man Utd captain Rooney admitted that Tuchel, who replaced Sir Gareth Southgate as England manager, still faces problems with the Three Lions’ defence.
“And the area that concerns me is probably defensively,” he added.
“Tuchel went with John Stones and Ezri Konsa in the first game, which I think was a shock to everyone in terms of Marc Guehi not playing.
“So, I think we might see that chop and change a little bit.”
England and Panama’s Group L fixture will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kick-off for the World Cup match scheduled for 10pm UK time.
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