Shearer says defense and Kane key as England chase World Cup victory

Former England captain Alan Shearer believes the current national team possesses the talent to compete at the highest level in the World Cup but expressed doubt about their ability to win the tournament outright. He cited the strength of potential opponents like Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal as significant hurdles in the later stages.

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I think with the talent that we have… success, I guess, is winning. But when you think about who you're going up against, Spain or France or Brazil or Argentina, maybe Portugal, I just think as you go deep into the tournament, (there will be) squads better than England.

Shearer emphasized that England's chances hinge significantly on their defensive solidity and the consistent form of captain Harry Kane. "If we defend really well and Harry can do what he's done, then we have got a live chance of winning it," Shearer stated, referring to Kane's impressive scoring record for Bayern Munich. He added that for England to progress deep into the tournament, Kane would need to perform exceptionally.

Regarding manager Thomas Tuchel, Shearer urged patience, advocating for the manager to be allowed the autonomy to shape the squad according to his vision, even if it involves unpopular selection decisions. He drew a parallel to the controversy surrounding Paul Gascoigne's omission from the 1998 squad, stressing that on-pitch performance ultimately matters most.

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If we defend really well and Harry can do what he's done, then we have got a live chance of winning it.

Squad management, particularly concerning the anticipated high temperatures during the tournament, will also be critical. Shearer recalled the challenges of playing in extreme heat during the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. and noted the improved awareness of player welfare, including provisions for water breaks, larger squads, and increased substitutions. He suggested that Kane might not play every minute of every game, with the manager prioritizing player fitness for subsequent matches.

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If we're going to go deep, then Harry has to fly.

Shearer also commented on the increased presence of Premier League players in the expanded World Cup, acknowledging that the demanding nature of the English league season might not be beneficial. However, he believes England's recent experience in reaching the latter stages of major tournaments, such as their runner-up finish in the 2024 Euros, could provide a valuable advantage.

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He might have left some better players out but in terms of harmony, he felt he was better off going with the players that he chose. He has to be allowed to do that.