England achieved their biggest win as they beat Mexico to reach the World Cup quarter-finals – and Alan Shearer now looks like they’re going all the way
Alan Shearer now believes England can win the World Cup (Image: Netflix)
Alan Shearer was originally skeptical of England but has now admitted he believes England can win the World Cup.
The Three Lions put in their best performance to date after a group stage that left them with many questions, defeating Mexico 3-2 in the Highlands and progressing to the last eight of the World Cup.
Ahead of this weekend’s quarter-final against Norway, the former striker said the win at Azteca was the game that made him and the nation think, “Wow, we can do this.”
Thomas Tuchel continues to prove the edge he has acquired for the England side, with his IQ rivaling that of the Three Lions and ending their 60-year wait for a major tournament. They are the favorites to see off Erling Haaland and others ahead of a potential semi-final against arch-rival Argentina. And Shearer admitted Mexico’s win changed his mindset.
He wrote to the BBC: “We might actually win this. I’m sure everyone was thinking that after England’s big win over Mexico, from the fans to the players – and I think I was too – even though before the game I really didn’t think it was going to happen.”
“Of course there was hope, there is always hope for England in a major tournament, but that performance pushed us all further and gave everyone, including myself, confidence and belief.”
Harry Kane is firmly in the race for the Golden Boot, making his second World Cup appearance after 2018, while Jude Bellingham continues to step up, scoring twice in the win over Mexico.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane helped England beat Mexico
The pair remain reliable players for England, with the Bayern Munich frontman scoring twice in the second half to avoid an upset against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Shearer insists there’s nothing wrong with relying on your headlights to get you out of a sticky situation.
And the scenes in Mexico City after defeating their co-hosts were one of a completely united team, with Shearer putting in one of the best collective performances I have seen from an England team there.
He said: “I’m 55 years old, but I would say that was the best team performance I’ve ever seen from an England team in my life, especially away from home. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that kind of unity and team spirit. To get a result in such a tough scenario. That’s how good it was.”
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