Shearer advises Tuchel to drop one player to the bench in England's opening match against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup.
Alan Shearer, the legendary striker, has recommended that Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, bench Noni Madueke, the Arsenal winger, in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June.
Although England's starting lineup seems mostly settled, questions remain over whether Arsenal's Bukayo Saka will be fit enough to play due to injury concerns. Shearer believes Tuchel should start either Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford on the wings before Madueke if Saka is not fit in time.
Shearer said, "Tuchel has the option to play Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford on the right and the other on the left side of Harry Kane."
"This would give you speed, pressing ability, and better capacity to drop back defensively and launch counterattacks compared to Madueke."
"That might be the option I would consider if Saka is not fit enough to start."