Alan Shearer believes England should make several key changes ahead of its World Cup showdown with Mexico, with the legendary striker calling for Anthony Gordon to replace Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup.
Shearer, England’s all-time leading goalscorer with 53 international goals and a member of the Three Lions squad that reached the semifinals of UEFA Euro 1996, has been one of the most outspoken analysts during England’s World Cup campaign. Ahead of the Mexico clash, he outlined several areas
where he believes Thomas Tuchel’s side must improve.
The biggest change, according to Shearer, should come on the wing.
“I think Anthony Gordon more than played his part in both goals,” Shearer told Betfair. “When the manager puts you on as a sub, he’s asking you to go on and impact the game. And Anthony Gordon certainly did that. So, I think he deserves again to start.”
Shearer also questioned England’s performances out wide throughout the tournament, noting that the substitutes have consistently offered more than the starters.
“Whoever Tuchel has started on the wings haven’t affected the game the same way as the subs have,” Shearer said. “Again, he switched those around, which tells you whatever he’s done hasn’t worked.”
While Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have carried England’s attack, Shearer believes the supporting cast must begin contributing.
“I’m still waiting for other England players to step up during this tournament,” Shearer said. “Without doubt, Harry has stepped up, Jude has stepped up, Elliot Anderson as well. But we’re still waiting for others to step up as well… There has to be a gear change at some stage.”
Shearer also expressed concern that England has not yet seen the best version of Declan Rice.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Declan yet,” Shearer said. “I think he’s looked really tired. He is probably carrying an injury… We need him to be back to his very best in the middle of the park, not at right back.”
At the back, Shearer believes England’s constant defensive reshuffling has affected both the back line and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“I do think the back four looks shaky,” Shearer said. “I do think Pickford hasn’t looked his normal self as well.”
He added that repeatedly changing the defensive unit has likely contributed to Pickford’s inconsistent performances during the tournament.
Looking ahead to Mexico, Shearer stressed that England cannot afford another slow start like it had against DR Congo.
“England can’t afford to have a start like they had against DR Congo,” Shearer said. “I think we know how Mexico are going to come out and try and rattle England in the first 15 or 20 minutes.”
Finally, Shearer pointed to one factor that could make the match even more difficult — the altitude.
“If this game was anywhere in Europe, I would be really, really confident that England could win,” Shearer said. “But because of where it is and the altitude and all of that, then I think that sort of evens things up a bit more.”
England may enter the match as the favorite, but Shearer’s message is clear: Tuchel’s squad needs better performances from more players, greater defensive stability, and a faster start if it hopes to overcome a dangerous Mexico side.
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