Rooney names surprise man Tuchel may regret not taking to World Cup
Wayne Rooney Warns Thomas Tuchel Over England’s Biggest Weakness: “Not Calling Kyle Walker Could Cost Us”
England may have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, but not everyone is convinced the Three Lions are on course for a deep tournament run.
Despite Harry Kane’s heroics rescuing a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo, former England captain Wayne Rooney believes Thomas Tuchel has a serious problem on his hands—one that could end England’s World Cup dream much sooner than expected.
Rooney’s strongest criticism wasn’t directed at England’s attack or even their midfield.
Instead, he focused on one position that has increasingly become a cause for concern: right-back.
According to the Manchester United legend, Tuchel made a costly mistake by failing to persuade Kyle Walker to return from international retirement after injuries left England desperately short of defensive options.
His comments have already sparked widespread debate among supporters.
Was Tuchel too stubborn to call one of England’s most experienced defenders back into the squad? Or is Rooney unfairly looking to the past instead of trusting the next generation?
England’s Right-Back Crisis Keeps Getting Worse
England’s defensive problems began before the tournament had even started.
Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento was ruled out through injury, forcing Tuchel to rethink his plans.
Things became even more complicated after both Reece James and Jarell Quansah were unavailable for the Round of 32 clash against DR Congo.
That left Tottenham defender Djed Spence with the responsibility of starting on the right side of England’s defence.
It proved to be one of the toughest nights of his international career.
Spence struggled to contain DR Congo’s pace, frequently lost his defensive positioning, and appeared uncomfortable whenever England were forced to defend transitions.
Television cameras repeatedly showed Tuchel shouting instructions toward his young defender throughout the match.
Eventually, the England manager decided he had seen enough.
Spence was substituted, while Declan Rice was moved into a makeshift defensive role as Tuchel searched for stability.
Although England eventually came from behind to win, the performance exposed vulnerabilities that stronger opponents will almost certainly attempt to exploit.
Rooney’s Solution: Pick Up the Phone and Call Kyle Walker
Wayne Rooney did not hesitate when asked how England should have handled the situation.
“The minute Tino Livramento got injured, Thomas Tuchel should have been on the phone to Kyle Walker,” Rooney said during BBC’s post-match analysis.
The former England captain believes Walker remains one of the country’s most reliable defenders despite announcing his international retirement earlier this year.
Walker ended his England career after earning 96 caps, leaving behind more than a decade of international experience.
For Rooney, replacing that experience has proven much harder than many expected.
He argued that Walker still possesses the pace, defensive intelligence, and leadership qualities England desperately need during a knockout tournament.
In Rooney’s opinion, relying solely on inexperienced alternatives has created unnecessary risk.
“Walker is still more than good enough and more than capable to play in this England team.
That could really cost us.”
Those words immediately became one of the biggest talking points following England’s victory.
Harry Kane Once Again Saved England
While England eventually progressed, their performance did little to silence critics.
The Three Lions suffered a nightmare start when Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo into an early lead after just seven minutes.
England looked nervous.
Their passing lacked rhythm.
Their defensive organization appeared uncertain.
For long periods, DR Congo looked the more dangerous team.
As has happened so many times over recent years, Harry Kane stepped forward when England needed him most.
The captain equalized with a well-placed header before producing a superb late finish just four minutes from full time to complete the comeback.
Without Kane’s brilliance, England might already be heading home.
His performance once again highlighted both England’s greatest strength and one of their biggest concerns.
When Kane delivers, England survive.
But should a World Cup contender really need individual moments of brilliance to overcome every difficult opponent?
Defensive Structure Raises Serious Questions
Rooney’s criticism extended far beyond the right-back position.
For him, England’s entire defensive structure appears fragile.
“We are all delighted England have gone through,” Rooney admitted.
“But when England lose the ball they are so open.”
That observation reflects one of the biggest tactical debates surrounding Tuchel’s early tenure.
England often dominate possession.
However, whenever attacks break down, large spaces seem to appear between the midfield and defensive line.
Modern international football punishes exactly those situations.
Teams like Brazil, France, Spain, and even Mexico possess the speed to exploit defensive transitions within seconds.
Rooney warned that England cannot afford to leave such gaps against stronger opponents.
The Missing Connection Between Defense and Midfield
One of Rooney’s most interesting observations focused on England’s shape rather than individual performances.
“There are just no connections,” he explained.
“The backline and midfield are too far apart.”
This issue became visible throughout the DR Congo match.
England’s defenders frequently found themselves isolated.
Midfielders struggled to provide immediate support.
The full-backs often pushed forward without sufficient protection behind them.
As a result, DR Congo repeatedly attacked into open spaces.
Rooney also singled out Noni Madueke, believing the winger struggled to provide enough defensive support when possession changed hands.
These are not problems that can simply be solved by changing one player.
They reflect broader tactical issues that Tuchel must address quickly.
Mexico Will Be an Entirely Different Challenge
England’s reward for defeating DR Congo is hardly comforting.
Next comes Mexico at the legendary Estadio Azteca.
Unlike DR Congo, Mexico enters the Round of 16 full of confidence.
The co-host nation has won every match of the tournament so far and enjoys one of the strongest home records in international football.
The altitude of Mexico City presents another significant challenge.
Many visiting teams struggle physically after the opening hour.
Players tire more quickly.
Recovery becomes harder.
Decision-making often suffers.
If England leaves the same defensive gaps that Rooney highlighted against DR Congo, Mexico will almost certainly punish them.
Should Tuchel Really Recall Retired Players?
Rooney’s comments also raise a broader philosophical question.
Should international managers ask retired players to return during major tournaments?
History offers mixed answers.
Some experienced veterans have returned successfully when their countries needed leadership.
Others struggled after months away from international football.
Walker undoubtedly brings experience.
His recovery speed remains among the best in Europe.
His understanding of tournament football is unquestioned.
However, asking a retired player to suddenly return in the middle of a World Cup campaign is far from straightforward.
Chemistry matters.
Fitness matters.
Commitment matters.
Tuchel may have believed moving forward with younger defenders was the better long-term decision.
Whether that decision proves correct may soon become clear.
Pressure Continues to Grow on Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel was appointed because England wanted something different.
After years under Gareth Southgate, supporters expected greater tactical flexibility and more aggressive football.
Instead, critics increasingly argue that many familiar problems remain.
England still struggle to control games.
Defensive transitions remain inconsistent.
The team continues to rely heavily on Harry Kane to rescue difficult situations.
Rooney’s criticism reflects growing concern rather than outright panic.
England are still alive.
They still possess one of the tournament’s most talented squads.
But knockout football rarely forgives repeated mistakes.
Against Mexico, every defensive lapse could prove decisive.
Final Thoughts
Wayne Rooney’s criticism may seem harsh, but it reflects concerns shared by many England supporters.
The victory over DR Congo secured progression, yet it did little to convince observers that England are genuine World Cup favorites.
Whether Kyle Walker would have solved every defensive problem is impossible to know.
Football is rarely that simple.
However, Rooney’s underlying message is difficult to ignore.
England cannot continue giving opponents space, relying on Harry Kane to produce miracles, and expecting to survive against elite teams.
Thomas Tuchel now faces perhaps the biggest tactical challenge of his England career.
If he can tighten the defense and improve the connection between midfield and the back line, the Three Lions remain capable of challenging for the World Cup.
If not, Rooney’s warning may soon look remarkably prophetic—and England’s tournament could end far sooner than anyone hoped.
