Alan Shearer has advised Thomas Tuchel to consider dropping Noni Madueke from England's starting lineup for their 2026 World Cup opener, even if Bukayo Saka is unavailable due to injury. The Three Lions are preparing to face Croatia next Wednesday, with Tuchel facing several selection dilemmas.
England's Selection Headaches
While most of England's starting XI appears settled, questions remain over whether Ezri Konsa or John Stones will partner in defence, and whether Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will occupy the No.10 role. Saka, who seemed certain to start on the right wing, is struggling with an Achilles issue that makes it unlikely he can play a full 90 minutes.
There have been suggestions that Saka should be benched, which would open the door for his Arsenal teammate Madueke, the only other natural right-winger in the squad. However, many are unconvinced by the 24-year-old, who managed just four goal contributions in the Premier League last season and notably missed an open goal in England's final warm-up match against Costa Rica.
Shearer's Alternative Options
Speaking on The Rest is Football, the former England captain said: 'He's got the option to play Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford on the right-hand side and the other one on the left-hand side, either side of Harry Kane. Which would give you the pace and the press and also the ability to sit back and counterattack as well, rather than Madueke. That's perhaps an option I would look at if Saka isn't fit to start the game.'
Gordon and Rashford are currently competing for the left-wing spot, with Gordon the favourite after an impressive performance against Costa Rica. Both players are capable of playing across the forward line, though it remains to be seen whether Tuchel will consider this approach.
Cole Palmer Omission Under Scrutiny
Saka's fitness issues have intensified scrutiny on Tuchel's decision not to select Cole Palmer for the World Cup. The Chelsea star endured an underwhelming season plagued by injuries but still scored 10 goals in 26 league games and remains highly rated.
England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard said on The Rest is Football: 'I don't know where he [Tuchel] sees him, because he's played more as a number 10 for Chelsea. Whether he thinks on the right he wants that dynamic thing where they go by players. Cole Palmer can go by players, obviously, because he's got that, but it's a different style, isn't it? I'm a big fan of Cole Palmer. And I think where the conditions here are, the game is going to slow down a bit, and it could be a bit turgid at times, and with the heat, and he's a player that can open things up. Nothing fazes him, he's got no fear.'
