Saka And Rashford Start For England Against Panama Urged By Shearer

Alan Shearer believes Thomas Tuchel should now start Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford as England prepare to face already-eliminated Panama in their final Group L match on Saturday, with victory expected to secure first place and calm criticism that followed the 0-0 draw with Ghana.

England sit top of Group L after a 4-2 win over Croatia and that stalemate with Ghana, and Shearer argues this is the moment for Tuchel to refresh the attack, reward impact substitutes, and restore intensity before the World Cup knockout rounds begin.

In a BBC Sport column, Shearer set England’s situation in a wider World Cup pattern, writing: "Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group gamebut what they have also done each time is go on to win their group. I am confident England will do that too... but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance."

Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke started both matches on the wings, yet Shearer now argues Saka and Rashford deserve promotion, especially after combining for Rashford’s goal against Croatia and influencing play from the bench versus Ghana while Saka continues to build sharpness following injury.

Shearer feels the biggest selection issue concerns the wide positions, outlining that Gordon and Madueke did not run at defenders often enough against Ghana, delivered poor crosses that rarely cleared the first marker, and contributed to open-play service that almost disappeared despite England’s dominance of the ball.

On the right flank, Shearer expects Saka to start if fully fit, with Rashford operating from the left, and wants both to attack one-on-one situations with greater energy, attempt to beat markers more often, and look forward earlier instead of recycling possession sideways or backwards when England face another compact defensive block.

England’s attacking struggle against Ghana came despite heavy control of possession, highlighted when Opta reported:

which supports Shearer’s view that the centre-forward needs better service from more assertive wide players.

Shearer believes England still belong among the tournament’s strongest sides, explaining: "I think about the teams that have impressed me, then the United States are up there along with France, Argentina and Spainand England are part of that excitement too," before pointing to Spain’s draw with Cape Verde and France’s poor first half against Senegal as reminders that other contenders have also dropped levels.

Shearer stresses that there is improvement needed and tougher tests ahead in the knockouts, yet notes England remain top of Group L, well placed to win it, and could gain momentum if Tuchel’s expected changes, including starting Saka and Rashford, bring the direct attacking edge that has been missing.