Alan Shearer backs England for World Cup glory after epic Mexico win
Former international striker Alan Shearer believes England can win the World Cup following their heroic victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
The national side overcame high altitude, a hostile atmosphere, and being reduced to 10 men to secure a monumental knockout stage win.
Prior to the match, the 55-year-old pundit admits he did not view Thomas Tuchel’s squad as genuine contenders for the trophy.
“I didn’t truly believe England could win this World Cup – but I’ve changed my mind, and I think everyone else has too.”
Drawing parallels with Euro 96
The legendary Newcastle United forward drew strong comparisons between the current setup and his own experiences at the European Championships three decades ago.
During that home tournament, a famous 4-1 thrashing of the Netherlands gave the entire nation immense belief before an eventual semi-final exit.
Shearer feels the current generation will be experiencing that exact same unstoppable feeling following their resilience in North America.
“In my experience as a fan, player or pundit, whenever England have done well at a tournament, there’s always a performance like that from us somewhere that lifts everyone.”
Praise for Thomas Tuchel and his squad
While established stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham delivered crucial goals once again, the collective effort stood out most.
The BBC pundit described the resilient display against the host nation as the best team performance by the national side in his lifetime.
Substitutions made by the German manager played a crucial role in maintaining control and seeing out the result.
“Every single player who stepped on that pitch at the Azteca played their part, and Thomas Tuchel did too with his substitutions and how well they worked.”
Unmatched team spirit
Beyond the tactical execution on the pitch, the immense camaraderie within the camp has heavily impressed onlookers.
Post-match celebrations highlighted this deep unity, with defender John Stones faking an injury before dancing with his team-mates in the dressing room.
Even the usually focused head coach was taken in by the prank, showcasing a relaxed and unified atmosphere behind the scenes.
“I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed togetherness or team spirit like that – to get a result in such a tough scenario.”