Gary Lineker has suggested that injury-disrupted seasons for key England players could prove an unexpected advantage at the World Cup. The former Three Lions striker, who will co-host a daily Netflix show during the tournament, pointed to Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as examples of stars who have benefited from spells on the sidelines.
“I quite like the way Saka has returned to form at the end of the season,” Lineker said. “A lot of our star players have had spells out… they are looking fit and really strong. That could help us.” He noted that Harry Kane has been rested frequently, while Bellingham and Marcus Rashford have also had significant breaks but are now in good shape.
Lineker also addressed scrutiny over Thomas Tuchel’s squad selections, particularly the omission of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. He backed the manager to handle the pressure, saying: “It is always the same… the manager knows he has got to be strong.”
England begin their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, aiming to end a 60-year wait for major silverware. Lineker, who helped England reach the 1990 semi-finals, described the team as having an “outside shot” at glory. “It would be glorious… I think it will be tough this one, but I don’t think it is impossible,” he added.
