Alan Shearer: England have to win the World Cup

• Shearer picks his England XI for the first game of the World Cup

• But the England legend is undecided on one key position

• "England have to win the World Cup."

• Alex Scott call-up "refreshing"

England have to win the World Cup

I think the strategy of squad selection, including management of Bellingham, has worked really well for Thomas Tuchel. The results that he's had, when leaving players out and bringing players back in, has really worked for him.

I think Tuchel is in a really healthy position in terms of who he's got and what he's got available, and he's in a strong position because the decisions that he's made have all worked up to now.

Obviously, that has to keep going, and England have to win the World Cup. 

I think Tuchel will want to do exactly the same as his side have been doing. He'll want them to show great energy, he'll want them to have a purpose, and he'll want them to win games and score goals. 

I think it's very much a continuation of what he's seen from previous games, that's what he'll want.

Alex Scott's call up is refreshing

Alex Scott done really well in the Under-21s with England. He's won tournaments for his country and whether he plays a part this week or not, or whether he's in there for Tuchel to have a look at, it doesn't matter.

I guess the manager can put him in there and have a look at him and see what he feels. I don't think it was a bad decision. I think it's refreshing to know that if you're doing well, which he has been, you might get a chance of a call-up.

Alan Shearer's England XI for first game of the 2026 World Cup

Jordan Pickford

Reece James

John Stones

Marc Guehi

Lewis Hall

Elliott Anderson

Declan Rice

Jude Bellingham

Bukayo Saka

Harry Kane

Marcus Rashford/Anthony Gordon

Read Shearer and previews of all the big matches as we lead to the 2026 World Cup