Alan Shearer has named the England team that has the best chance of winning the World Cup after a mixed start to the tournament for the Three Lions.
England are bidding to end 60 years of hurt out in the United States and made a promising start to their World Cup campaign, beating Croatia 4-2.
Croatia were expected to be tricky customers for Thomas Tuchel’s side given they reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup and beat England on their way to the final in 2018.
England were twice pegged back by Croatia but ultimately proved too strong for their European rivals, with Harry Kane’s first-half brace and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford securing the opening win.
Don’t miss a World Cup moment
We’re witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.
Confidence was high after England thumped Croatia but Tuchel’s team produced a more underwhelming performance in a goalless draw with Ghana last time out.
The Euro 2024 finalists dominated possession and had the better chances but were unable to break a solid and spirited Ghana down, and even avoided some near-misses themselves in the second half.
Despite the minor setback, England are still set to qualify for the knockout stages and will go through as Group L winners if they beat Panama on Saturday night.
It is at that point that England’s tournament really begins, with one poor performance potentially costing the Three Lions the chance of a first World Cup trophy since 1966.
England’s best World Cup team has been a source of great debate, both ahead of the tournament and since the win over Croatia and draw with Ghana.
Former England striker and Premier League record goalscorer Shearer has revealed the team he would pick if he was in Tuchel’s position and 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 last week and being involved in some hairy moments against Ghana.
Dean Henderson helped Crystal Palace win the Conference League last season and Manchester City legend Pep Guardiola had faith in James Trafford before signing Gianluigi Donnarumma, but neither of the backup goalkeepers have significant experience for England.
Fitness-permitting the hugely talented but injury-prone Reece James will continue at right-back and 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 surprisingly benched for the World Cup opener before partnering Ezri Konsa against Ghana.
Shearer wants to see Nico O’Reilly at left-back – the Man City star started against Croatia before Djed Spence came in for Ghana, with O’Reilly then introduced from the bench and almost scoring.
A midfield three of Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham appears nailed on, although England have been concerned over the fitness of Arsenal title winner Rice.
There was some debate over whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers should start ahead of the tournament but the Real Madrid ace has impressed in both matches.
The wide positions are far more uncertain, with Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka the options on the right and Anthony Gordon competing with Marcus Rashford for a place on the left.
Madueke started England’s first two group games but Saka impressed in both from the bench and is way ahead of his Arsenal teammate in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
Gordon – who recently joined Barcelona, where Rashford was on loan last season – started the World Cup as Tuchel’s first choice but Shearer would pick the Manchester United outcast following his bright cameos.
England record goalscorer Kane, meanwhile, is undroppable after another sensational season for Bayern Munich and a strong start to the World Cup.
Tuchel is in fact yet to hand any minutes to back-up strikers Ollie Watkins, who continues to impress for Aston Villa, or Ivan Toney, who has spent the last two years playing in Saudi Arabia.
While Shearer believes the England team he picked is capable of winning the World Cup, he views France as his ‘favourites’.
Didier Deschamps’ side, who won the World Cup in 2018 before losing in the final four years ago, beat Senegal and Iraq in their first two group games, scoring six goals in the process.
Shearer can see World Cup holders Argentina reaching another final after enjoying a perfect start to the tournament, 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.
Alan Shearer was speaking after England’s draw with Ghana. Everyone has got an opinion on the World Cup, back yours at Betfair.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.