Alan Shearer names three England standouts after Czech Republic win

Alan Shearer has named Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold as his standout England players of the international break so far.

Thomas Tuchel’s side responded to their 3-2 defeat against Spain by beating Czech Republic on Tuesday, and Shearer believes there have been encouraging signs despite England still having defensive issues to address.

Speaking on Betfair Shearer was particularly impressed by Gordon against Czechia and highlighted his understanding with Newcastle United teammate Hall on England’s left.

“I thought Anthony Gordon did really well,” Shearer said. “I thought he was the pick of the bunch on Tuesday.

“Him and Lewis Hall down the left-hand side have a really good understanding.”

England’s task became easier following Czechia’s red card, but Gordon still made his mark by converting Alexander-Arnold’s delivery after half-time.

For Shearer, that moment demonstrated exactly why Alexander-Arnold remains such a valuable option for Tuchel.

Questions continue to surround Alexander-Arnold defensively, but Shearer believes England must also recognise what the Real Madrid defender offers in possession.

“Maybe defensively there are question marks with Trent, I get that and I understand that,” he said.

“But I also try to look on the more positive side of what he can give us going forward.”

Shearer believes matches against stubborn opponents are precisely where Alexander-Arnold’s passing and crossing can make the difference.

“There’s not many better than him when he has the ball,” he added.

However, the former England striker suggested Tuchel may need to think differently against elite opposition such as Spain, where Alexander-Arnold would face a much greater defensive examination.

Shearer also highlighted Rio Ngumoha after the youngster produced a lively performance from the bench.

Goalkeeper James Trafford received praise too after Tuchel handed him both of England’s opening Nations League matches.

Shearer felt Trafford “did reasonably well” and did not let England down, although he expects Jordan Pickford to return for the next two internationals.

Overall, Shearer believes Tuchel can take positives from his opening Nations League fixtures, but England’s defensive vulnerability remains an area requiring attention.

Tuchel must now decide how much weight to place on Alexander-Arnold’s attacking qualities when England face stronger opposition.

Against teams who defend deep, his passing range and delivery could become an important weapon. Against opponents such as Spain, however, England may require greater defensive security.

Hall and Gordon have also strengthened their cases for continued involvement after impressing together on the left, while Ngumoha has given Tuchel another exciting attacking option.

With Pickford expected to return in goal for England’s next two matches, competition for places is beginning to intensify as Tuchel continues shaping his preferred side.