From Dispatch Room
England legend Alan Shearer has urged national team manager Thomas Tuchel to make a bold selection decision ahead of England’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Shearer believes Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice should not be deployed in an advanced midfield role when England face Croatia in their Group L opener. Instead, the former Newcastle United striker has argued that Rice is most effective operating deeper in midfield, where his defensive awareness and ball-winning abilities can have the greatest impact.
The debate comes after England’s impressive 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Several players made strong cases for inclusion in the starting lineup, giving Tuchel difficult decisions ahead of the tournament opener.
Shearer suggested that England should build their midfield around a more attack-minded player further forward, while allowing Rice to focus on shielding the defence and controlling the tempo of the game. The former England captain believes this setup would provide greater balance against a technically gifted Croatian side.
Rice has been one of England’s most consistent performers in recent years and enjoyed another strong season with Arsenal. However, discussions continue over how best to utilise the midfielder within Tuchel’s tactical system.
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, with further Group L matches against Ghana and Panama to follow. Expectations remain high for the Three Lions as they seek to win their first World Cup since 1966.
Tuchel has yet to reveal his starting lineup, but Shearer’s comments have added to growing debate among pundits and supporters about England’s strongest midfield combination heading into the tournament.
— Newspot Nigeria
