Alan Shearer has told Thomas Tuchel that it would be 'extremely harsh' to drop Djed Spence for England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has faced criticism during the tournament, including being shouted at during the group match against Ghana in Boston.
Defensive Crisis and Shearer's Verdict
With Reece James injured and Jarell Quansah banned for two matches, Shearer believes Spence is the right choice. Speaking via BetFair, Shearer said: 'I don't know the situation with Reece James' hamstring, but I think it would be extremely harsh on Djed Spence if he didn't start. He started left back, right back, and then went to left back when he came on the other evening. I thought he was outstanding when he came on, as was Dan Burn and John Stones.'
Shearer added: 'It's amazing how we discuss the right back position before every game. My guess would be Djed Spence at right back.'
Praise for Wingers
Shearer was impressed by England's performance against Mexico, especially the wide men. He said: 'I've been barking on all tournament about wide men going on the outside. Anthony Gordon's first touch was to go on the outside, and he had the defender on toast every time. Saka went on the outside and dinked a beautiful ball to Bellingham for the header. Our wingers were outstanding, particularly Anthony Gordon. I thought he had his best game for England.'
Shearer's preferred lineup includes Saka, Kane, Gordon, and Bellingham in behind. He also backs the midfield duo of Rice and Anderson, and the centre-half pairing of Guehi and Konsa, with O'Reilly at left-back, Spence at right-back, and Pickford in goal.
Confidence in England
Shearer believes England can reach their first semi-final since 2018. He said: 'The performance the other night was what everyone's been waiting for. With Tuchel's know-how, we can do something special. I've got real big confidence that England can beat Norway. If you said before the tournament we'd have a World Cup quarterfinal against Norway, you'd snap their hands off. I'm going for a 2-1 win with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.'
