World Cup: Alan Shearer names England's starting XI that could win the tournament

Alan Shearer, the former England striker, has announced his preferred Three Lions lineup that he believes could win the 2026 World Cup.

England is considered one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

The side that finished as runners‑up in consecutive UEFA EURO tournaments is led by German manager Thomas Tuchel and features a highly talented squad.

They opened their campaign with a 4‑2 win against Croatia.

In their second match, they were held to a 0‑0 draw by a determined Ghana side. A victory over Panama in the final Group L fixture would still allow them to finish top of the group.

The choice of starting XI has generated much debate among supporters and pundits. In a recent exclusive interview with Metro, Shearer revealed the lineup he would select.

At the back, the 55‑year‑old kept the country’s number one goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, between the posts. The defensive line consists of Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly, combining experience with youthful energy.

In midfield, Shearer sought balance by assigning Elliot Anderson a defensive role, Declan Rice a box‑to‑box position, and Jude Bellingham an attacking midfield role.

For the wide areas, he chose Bukayo Saka, who is still in recovery from injury, and Marcus Rashford, who has come on as a substitute in both games to date.

At the front, Shearer naturally selected Harry Kane, England’s captain and record scorer with 81 goals in 116 caps. The former Newcastle United striker believes the XI he has assembled can win the 2026 World Cup.