Alan Shearer names a ‘fantastic’ player from his time who would easily fit into today’s England team.
If Alan Shearer could choose one player from his time to join Thomas Tuchel’s current England team, it would be his old teammate Paul Gascoigne – and there’s a good reason for that.
Shearer, who scored 30 goals in 63 games for England, thinks Gascoigne, or “Gazza” as he lovingly calls him, would bring “something very different” to the team.
He’s impressed by players like Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson, who are regulars under Tuchel. But Gascoigne, in Shearer’s words, was “just unbelievable” in midfield.
Unlike many players today, Gascoigne played with instinct and freedom. He wasn’t afraid to take on opponents and run with the ball – a skill that’s quite rare now.
“Gazza was incredible in his prime,” Shearer told SPORTbible, where he’s a Betfair Ambassador.
Shearer also mentioned Teddy Sheringham, a former Manchester United and Tottenham striker, as someone he’d consider for Tuchel’s squad.
“Sheringham was more of a number 10, but Bellingham’s in there as well, and the thing is, England is lucky to have players like Bellingham, Rogers, and Palmer in that spot,” said Shearer.
“Then there’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Josh King at Fulham in the under-21s, so they’re well covered. But Gazza in his prime was something really special.”
When asked who from today’s team would have shined in his era (1992-2000), Shearer said, “Probably Harry Kane, but I’m not putting him ahead of me!”
He added, “Looking back, I’d pick Jude Bellingham. He’s a true superstar and would have fitted into our team for sure.”
–– Biggest difference between your England team and today’s?
“The big difference is the leaders. In 1996, we had plenty – Paul Ince, Tony Adams, Gareth Southgate, David Seaman, Gary Neville, Stuart Pearce, Teddy Sheringham, and me. I don’t see as many leaders in the current team. But football has changed a lot since then.”
–– Any England defeat you still think about?
“The Euro ’96 semi-final against Germany, especially the penalty shootout. We had a real chance to win that tournament, so that game still sticks with me.”
–– Who will take over as England captain when Harry Kane retires?
“There are a few strong options, like Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. Those two stand out. Tuchel even played Bellingham up front when Kane was off the pitch, so maybe Bellingham could be the next key player.”
“Shearer added, “Harry can’t play forever, so Declan Rice looks like a great choice to step up as captain.”
–– What did it mean to wear the England shirt?
“For me, walking out at Wembley or captaining England – it doesn’t get much bigger or better in your career.”
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