England must respond immediately to their frustrating draw with Ghana, and Alan Shearer believes Thomas Tuchel should turn to Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford for Saturday's crucial World Cup clash with Panama.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the former England captain argued there is no reason for panic despite Tuesday's disappointing performance, pointing to the fact that every World Cup winner since 2006 has dropped points in either their opening or second group-stage match. However, each of those champions also went on to win their group, something Shearer believes England are still capable of achieving.
With Panama already eliminated after defeats in their opening two matches, England know victory would put them firmly back on course for top spot.
Alan Shearer wants Saka and Rashford to provide attacking spark
Shearer reserved his strongest criticism for England’s wide players against Ghana, arguing that Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke failed to provide enough attacking intent or quality in the final third.
According to the BBC pundit, England lacked directness in one-on-one situations, while the quality of crossing from open play consistently let the side down. As a result, Shearer believes Tuchel should hand starts to Saka and Rashford after both impressed from the bench during the opening two fixtures.
“I want to see them go past players. There also needs to be more forward passing rather than taking the easy option by going sideways or backwards.” — Alan Shearer, via BBC Sport
Shearer suggested Saka’s limited minutes so far are likely linked to fitness rather than form, and feels the Arsenal winger should start on the right if fully ready, with Rashford operating from the left.
Tuchel could make defensive adjustments
Beyond the attacking changes, Shearer also expects Tuchel to consider alterations in defence.
He believes Nico O'Reilly should return at left-back after England lost attacking quality down the left flank without him. O'Reilly's substitute appearance against Ghana included a header that struck the crossbar and several dangerous forward runs.
John Stones could also return alongside the back line after England survived two significant defensive scares against Ghana, including one incident that could have resulted in a penalty and another where Jordan Pickford narrowly avoided a possible red card.
While England dominated possession, Shearer felt there remained uncertainty in defence that Tuchel may wish to address before the knockout stages.
England must move the ball quicker against Panama
Panama are already mathematically eliminated from the tournament but are still expected to defend deep, presenting England with a similar tactical challenge to the one they faced against Ghana.
Rather than overhauling the entire side, Shearer believes England need a change in mentality as much as personnel. Faster ball circulation, greater urgency and more willingness to take risks in possession will be required to break down another compact defensive block.
He also insisted Tuchel should resist making wholesale midfield changes, backing Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson to continue developing their partnership if Rice is fit enough to start.
Why England's position remains encouraging
Despite criticism of the Ghana display, Shearer stressed England remain well placed in the group and should not overreact to one disappointing result.
Having followed England's campaign throughout the tournament, the broader picture remains positive. Several leading contenders, including Portugal and Spain, have also experienced difficult moments during the group stage. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, with the decisive knockout matches still to come.
England still sit top of their group and control their own destiny heading into the final group fixture.
Key Points
- Alan Shearer wants Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford to start against Panama.
- He criticised England's lack of direct attacking play against Ghana.
- Nico O'Reilly and John Stones are also backed to return to the starting XI.
- England remain favourites to win the group despite dropping points.
- Victory over Panama would strengthen England's route into the knockout stage.
What's next?
England face Panama on Saturday knowing three points should secure qualification as group winners, depending on other results. Attention will centre on Thomas Tuchel's team selection after the disappointing draw with Ghana, particularly whether Saka and Rashford are restored to the starting line-up. The performance will also provide another indication of how England are shaping up before the knockout rounds begin.
Will Tuchel make the attacking changes Shearer has called for, or will he keep faith with the players who started against Ghana?
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