NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer reckons England will get knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals.
The Three Lions have reached at least the semi-finals at the last two tournaments, losing to Croatia in 2018 and Italy in the final at Euro 2020.
But the ex-England striker, who’s worried about the defence, doesn’t think Gareth Southgate’s side will perform as well this time around.
He said: “I don’t see us going as far as we have done in the last two tournaments.
“I think in terms of midfield positions and forward positions Southgate will be confident but in terms of defensively, that’s an area for concern.
“We should win the group with the ability that we have in our squad.
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“The further you go in the tournament the better the opposition are going to be and the players you’re up against, so my concern for England would be defence.
“I think he’s got some big decisions to make in terms of the 11 he starts and what system he’s going to play.
“It’s probably been made slightly easier for him now he can have a squad of 26 rather than 23.
“We have got one or two injuries which he has to make a call on because maybe two or three players haven’t played for six or seven weeks.
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“With the success that they have had in the last two tournaments we want England to go that one step further and try and win it.
“Whether we can or not remains to be seen. It’s going to be very, very difficult.”
If England win their group they’re in line to face France in the last eight, while coming second could see them come up against Argentina.
Asked about how far he thinks England will go, Shearer said: “I’d say maybe a quarter-final.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
