Alan Shearer wants Thomas Tuchel to take Trent Alexander-Arnold to the World Cup, arguing his passing and crossing could be decisive against low-block opponents. The former England striker also voiced doubts about Reece James’ ability to stay fit through a tou
Alan Shearer didn’t speak like someone searching for a safe answer. He spoke like someone who’d already pictured the moments that might decide England’s World Cup matches.
At the launch of Betfair’s World Cup campaign. “Everyone’s got an opinion. back yours at Betfair”. the former England striker urged Thomas Tuchel to include Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s summer tournament squad. Shearer said it should be the kind of selection that anticipates the gameflow England will face when opponents sit deep.
“ I would always find a place in my squad for Trent Alexander-Arnold. maybe not necessarily starting. but if England are going to be chasing the game at some stage to have that little bit of quality of a pass or a cross. I would without doubt have Trent in my squad and Thomas Tuchel should select him for the World Cup this summer. ” Shearer told Daily Mail Sport.
He added: “I just think. particularly in earlier stages. that we may play against teams who are going to be defensively minded and not come out and play against the Three Lions. I just think at times we will need that killer pass or that killer cross. and I think Trent Alexander-Arnold. without doubt. can deliver that. So that’s why I would have him in the team.”.
Tuchel, meanwhile, has named a provisional 55-man England squad earlier this week, ahead of Friday’s deadline for FIFA’s final 26-man selection. The debate inside English football has continued to circle around right-back options and the shape of the backline as a whole.
Shearer’s argument for Alexander-Arnold is rooted in what the Real Madrid defender has been doing at club level. His debut season at Real Madrid. Shearer highlighted. has reinforced his reputation as a creator: seven assists and 29 big chances created. along with improved durability in 33 club matches. Shearer pointed to his 85 per cent passing accuracy and fitness as a reliable way to unlock low-block defences.
Yet Tuchel’s reported preference for “solidity” in that area has kept Reece James in the conversation. Shearer acknowledged that James has produced too, with six goal involvements for Chelsea while playing a modified role.
But the doubts are hard to ignore. Consistent hamstring and hip issues have already led to 12 missed matches, and Shearer said that injury record matters when the stakes rise.
“Asked whether James can be relied upon physically throughout a major tournament. Shearer admitted there are lingering doubts because of the defender’s injury history. ‘The honest answer is, I don’t know if we can rely on him,’ Shearer said. ‘I guess that’s what you have to weigh up with the risks that you take with the players that you have in that position.’”.
He continued: “ ‘He has had injuries, there’s no doubt and no getting away from that, but I guess whoever’s going to win this World Cup will need a little bit of luck in terms of right decisions and getting through with the least amount of injuries as possible.’”
For Shearer. the tournament selection debate isn’t only about who England can trust to stay fit—it’s also about who has earned momentum. He backed the emergence of Nico O’Reilly after an impressive campaign at Manchester City. saying the 21-year-old has played himself into genuine England contention.
Shearer described O’Reilly as a versatile “wildcard” option. He cited nine goals and six assists for Manchester City. and praised the way he adapted to a hybrid left-back role. “He would be in my team of the season. that’s how good he’s been. and he’s put himself in a brilliant position to start for England. ” Shearer said.
England’s wider competition for places only makes that point sharper. Shearer referenced Myles Lewis-Skelly. saying Lewis-Skelly’s path could be blocked by the strength of alternatives. including Nico O’Reilly. plus Lewis Hall. He also said Lewis Hall is back into Arsenal’s picture, though “in a more of a midfield position”.
“My guess would be, is that perhaps maybe O’Reilly and Lewis Hall will be selected,” Shearer added.
With Tuchel still deciding the final 26-man squad, the odds around certain spots give a sense of how close the margins may be. Betfair’s most-likely squad odds listed:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (1/200). Dean Henderson (1/40). James Trafford (1/4)
Defenders: Marc Guehi (1/200). Ezri Konsa (1/200). Nico O’Reilly (1/40). Reece James (1/9). Harry Maguire (1/4). John Stones (3/10). Lewis Hall (3/10). Dan Burn (4/9)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (1/200). Declan Rice (1/200). Morgan Rogers (1/80). Elliot Anderson (1/80). Cole Palmer (1/18). Jordan Henderson (4/11). Kobbie Mainoo (3/10)
Forwards: Harry Kane (1/200). Bukayo Saka (1/100). Anthony Gordon (1/25). Marcus Rashford (1/18). Ollie Watkins (1/12). Eberechi Eze (3/10). Phil Foden (4/11). Noni Madueke (8/15)
On the fringes: Tino Livramento (4/7). Adam Wharton (8/13). James Garner (8/11). Fikayo Tomori (4/6). Jarell Quansah (5/6). Djed Spence (5/6). Luke Shaw (Evens). Trent Alexander-Arnold (11/10). Myles Lewis Skelly (17/10). Morgan Gibbs White (17/10).
The common thread in Shearer’s intervention is clear: he wants a squad built for the hard parts of tournament football—games where England can’t just dominate from the front, where the defining moments may arrive after opponents dig in and force England to create with precision.
Alan Shearer Trent Alexander-Arnold Thomas Tuchel England World Cup FIFA 26-man squad Reece James Nico O'Reilly Betfair Jordan Pickford Dean Henderson Real Madrid