Alan Shearer has urged Thomas Tuchel to make two changes to England's starting XI before the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with Bukayo Saka and Reece James the players he would bring in.
The former England striker said he was surprised Saka did not start against Norway, but added that the winger could not have been 100 per cent fit or he would have been in the XI. Shearer also pointed to Noni Madueke's performance, saying he did not offer enough in the first half against Norway and that Tuchel was right to remove him at half-time.
Shearer backs Saka and James
Shearer said his preferred team for the Argentina match would include Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Saka, Kane and Gordon. In his view, those two changes would give England a stronger starting point in a match that decides a place in the final this weekend.
He also suggested Tuchel could still keep options open depending on Saka's fitness, noting that Gordon could stay on the left and Rogers could be used on the right if the manager did not feel Saka was ready to start. Shearer added that Tuchel could also go with Gordon, Bellingham and Rogers.
Madueke's place under pressure
The selection debate has also intensified around Madueke after Gabby Agbonlahor said the winger had played himself out of a starting spot. Agbonlahor was blunt about Madueke's display against Norway, saying he was not great at all, and suggested Marcus Rashford could be an alternative on that side.
Agbonlahor also asked why Rashford could not be used on the right-hand side to mix things up after not getting on in the previous game. That view reflects the broader question Tuchel now faces: whether to stick with the same attacking shape or make a change for the Argentina semi-final.
For England, the decision is straightforward in one sense and difficult in another. They need to beat Argentina to reach the final, but the manager must also weigh fitness, form and balance in attack. Shearer made his preference clear. Now it is down to Tuchel to decide whether England need those two changes before the biggest game of their tournament.
