Alan Shearer makes World Cup final prediction after naming best England team
Ciaran McCarthy
Alan Shearer has predicted the World Cup final, after telling England what their best team is to give them a chance in the tournament.
The Three Lions have won once and drawn once, ahead of their final group game against Panama on Saturday. Some feel the side needs to be changed after the 0-0 draw against Ghana, in which Thomas Tuchel's side failed to break down the African nation.
Former England striker Shearer has picked the side with the best chance of success for the nation.
It features four changes from the side who drew to Ghana: John Stones, Nico O'Reilly, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford come in, with Ezri Konsa, Djed Spence, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon dropping out.
The Stones shout is the most interesting pick - he started the opener against Croatia on the left side of the defence, with Konsa on the right, and the departing Manchester City man then departed, with Marc Guehi partnering the Aston Villa centre-back.
But Shearer believes the partnership which is yet to be seen is the one which gives England the best chance of success.
Shearer names World Cup final
Though the ex-England man has told Tuchel his best side, he seemingly doesn't feel it's enough for a spot in the final, suggesting that could be a familiar game.
Shearer said: "I wouldn’t change any of my predictions from before the World Cup even though all of the big hitters have got off the mark.
"I am still sticking with my original pick in France to win the World Cup, they would be my favourites. They have got some top players, particularly in forward areas, and will be difficult to beat.
"It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we see another France vs Argentina final like we did four years ago."
France and Argentina played out one of the great World Cup finals in 2022, with the latter coming out victorious following a penalty shootout, with the game ending 3-3 after extra time.
Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for France, and Lionel Messi a brace for Argentina - they are on four and five goals in the 2026 tournament respectively, so it would be hard to bet against either driving their side to the final again.
