Alan Shearer has named the England team he believes has the best chance of winning the World Cup, following a mixed start to the tournament for the Three Lions. The former England striker and Premier League record goalscorer included an Arsenal star in his preferred XI, as Thomas Tuchel's side look to end 60 years of hurt in the United States.
England's World Cup Campaign So Far
England made a promising start to their World Cup campaign, beating Croatia 4-2. Croatia, who reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup and defeated England on their way to the 2018 final, proved challenging but were ultimately overpowered. Harry Kane scored a first-half brace, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on target to secure the opening win.
However, Tuchel's team produced a more underwhelming performance in a goalless draw with Ghana in their second group game. England dominated possession and created better chances but could not break down a solid and spirited Ghana side, even surviving some near-misses in the second half.
Shearer's Preferred England XI
Despite the minor setback, England are still set to qualify for the knockout stages and will advance as Group L winners if they beat Panama on Saturday night. Shearer has revealed the team he would pick if he were in Tuchel's position, aiming to become the first Three Lions boss since Sir Alf Ramsey to lift the World Cup.
Everton's Jordan Pickford retains his place in goal, despite suggestions he could have prevented Croatia's opener and some hairy moments against Ghana. Shearer believes a centre-back partnership of John Stones and Marc Guehi is the best England can offer. Guehi, one of England's best players at Euro 2024, was benched for the World Cup opener before partnering Ezri Konsa against Ghana.
At left-back, Shearer wants to see Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly, who started against Croatia before Djed Spence came in for Ghana. Fitness-permitting, the hugely talented but injury-prone Reece James will continue at right-back.
A midfield three of Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Jude Bellingham appears nailed on, although England have been concerned over Rice's fitness. There was debate over whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers should start, but the Real Madrid star has impressed in both matches.
The wide positions are more uncertain. On the right, Noni Madueke started England's first two group games, but Bukayo Saka impressed from the bench and is way ahead of Madueke in Mikel Arteta's pecking order at Arsenal. Shearer would pick Saka, the Arsenal star, on the right. On the left, Anthony Gordon competes with Marcus Rashford. Gordon started as Tuchel's first choice, but Shearer would pick the Manchester United forward following his bright cameos.
England record goalscorer Harry Kane is undroppable after another sensational season for Bayern Munich and a strong start to the World Cup. Tuchel has yet to hand minutes to backup strikers Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney.
Shearer's World Cup Favourites
While Shearer believes his selected England team is capable of winning the World Cup, he views France as his favourites. Didier Deschamps' side, who won the World Cup in 2018 and lost in the final four years ago, beat Senegal and Iraq in their first two group games, scoring six goals. Shearer also sees World Cup holders Argentina reaching another final after a perfect start, with Lionel Messi already scoring five goals.
'I wouldn't change any of my predictions from before the World Cup even though all of the big hitters have got off the mark,' Shearer said. 'I am still sticking with my original pick in France to win the World Cup, they would be my favourites. They have got some top players, particularly in forward areas, and will be difficult to beat. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we see another France vs Argentina final like we did four years ago.'
The MetLife Stadium in New York hosts the 2026 World Cup final on July 19.
