Former England striker Alan Shearer has revealed the starting lineup he believes can guide the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026, as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepares for their final Group L fixture against Panama.
England, who finished as European runners-up in back-to-back tournaments, opened their campaign with a convincing 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by a resilient Ghana side. A win against Panama would secure top spot in the group and maintain their status as one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
In an exclusive interview with Metro, the 55-year-old former Newcastle and Blackburn forward outlined his preferred XI, sparking fresh debate among supporters and pundits.
Shearer retains Jordan Pickford as his undisputed No. 1, while his defensive line features Reece James at right-back, John Stones and Marc Guehi forming the central partnership, and Nico O’Reilly—who scored twice in March’s Carabao Cup final—deployed at left-back, offering a blend of experience and emerging talent.
In midfield, Shearer opts for balance: Elliot Anderson anchors the unit in a defensive role, Declan Rice operates as a box-to-box presence, and Jude Bellingham takes up an advanced attacking position to link play with the forwards.
His wide selections raise eyebrows—Bukayo Saka, currently recovering from injury, is named on the right flank, while Marcus Rashford, who has featured only as a substitute in England’s two matches so far, is chosen on the left.
Up front, Shearer unsurprisingly hands the central striking role to captain Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer with 81 goals in 116 appearances. The 55-year-old expressed full confidence that his selected XI possesses the quality and cohesion required to go all the way and lift the trophy.
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