Alan Shearer has admitted he no longer doubts England’s ability to lift the World Cup after their dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16. The former England captain, who had previously been cautious about the team’s prospects, now believes Thomas Tuchel’s side have shown the kind of resilience and adaptability required to go all the way.
“I’ve changed my mind, we might actually be able to win this thing. From the fans to the players, that’s what everyone must be thinking after England’s epic win over Mexico – I know I am – when I genuinely didn’t feel that was the case before the game.”
Shearer’s Revelation: From Doubt to Belief
Shearer, writing in his BBC Sport column, confessed that the performance at the Azteca Stadium convinced him England can overcome any obstacle. “Before I went to the Azteca Stadium, and watched us deal with everything that was thrown at us, I didn’t truly believe England could win this World Cup – but I’ve changed my mind, and I think everyone else has too.”
The 55-year-old drew parallels with his own playing days, specifically the 4-1 demolition of the Netherlands at Euro 96 that ignited belief within the squad. “I had it myself as a player at Euro ’96 when we beat the Netherlands 4-1 at Wembley and felt unstoppable. I was thinking, ‘we can go all the way’ and that’s exactly how the England squad will be feeling now too.”
A Complete Team Performance
Shearer praised the collective effort against Mexico, highlighting that it wasn’t just the stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham who stepped up. “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. I am 55 and I’d describe that display as the best team performance I’ve seen from any England side in my lifetime, particularly away from home.”
The togetherness was further illustrated by the post-match dressing-room celebrations, where John Stones pranked the manager by pretending to be injured before breaking into dance. “It’s another insight into why this team means it when they say they are together, and the manager is part of that too,” Shearer added.
He also underlined England’s tactical flexibility. “I don’t look at this England team and think we’ve got a set identity… Instead, we are adaptable. So far, we have just played the game in front of us, changing our approach depending on whoever we are up against and how the game is going.”
Norway and Haaland Await
Next up for England is a quarter-final against Norway in Miami, and the focus inevitably turns to Erling Haaland. The prolific striker sent Norway into the last eight with a brace against Brazil, and Shearer knows the threat. “How do you stop Haaland?” he posed. “That is the question everyone will ask, but England will have a plan.”
Shearer concluded that while he is more confident, nothing is guaranteed. “I still don’t know if we will win it, but everything about the way we played against Mexico showed why we can.”
Key Takeaways
- Alan Shearer now believes England can win the World Cup after their thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico.
- The performance at the Azteca is lauded as England’s best team display in Shearer’s lifetime, showing resilience and adaptability with 10 men.
- England’s togetherness and tactical flexibility under Thomas Tuchel are cited as key reasons for optimism.
- Erling Haaland poses the next massive challenge in the quarter-final, but Shearer trusts England’s preparation.
Quick Facts
Result: Mexico 2-3 England, World Cup round of 16
Next match: England vs. Norway, quarter-final, Miami
England’s star performers vs. Mexico: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, John Stones
Norway’s danger man: Erling Haaland (2 goals vs. Brazil)