Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards Name the Stars They’d Add to England’s World Cup Squad

As England prepare to begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Group L, three former Three Lions stars have revealed which international player they would add to Thomas Tuchel’s squad if given the opportunity.

Speaking exclusively to SPORTbible, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards were asked which current international star they would most like to see playing for England ahead of the tournament in the United States.

England open their World Cup campaign on Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Tuchel hoping to guide the Three Lions to their first major trophy since 1966.

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The German manager is expected to start Ezri Konsa alongside John Stones in central defence, while Jude Bellingham looks set to get the nod ahead of Morgan Rogers in midfield. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was drafted into the squad after Tino Livramento was ruled out with a hamstring injury, while captain Harry Kane leads a talented 26-man squad.

Ferdinand Chooses Van Dijk

When asked by SPORTbible which player he would add to England’s ranks, Rio Ferdinand immediately pointed to Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.

“I’d probably say Van Dijk,” Ferdinand told SPORTbible.

“I’d say a big commanding centre-back to play a lot. Just with the experience, I think that’s the key, the big commanding centre-back who has pace and is mobile enough, I would say probably Van Dijk, because all the other areas, like No.10s we’re suited.

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“The wingers I’m quite okay with. If you don’t get that area [defence] in the pitch right, you don’t win. You look at all the good teams, the teams that win things, the centre-back pairing is normally a good solid pairing that play consistently well together and understand each other.”

Van Dijk remains one of the world’s leading defenders and recently scored in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan.

Shearer Wants PSG Star

Like Ferdinand, Alan Shearer also spoke to SPORTbible about the one player he would add to England’s squad.

The Premier League’s all-time leading scorer opted for Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, despite Georgia failing to qualify for the World Cup.

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“There’s one player that won’t be at the tournament and that’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, unfortunately,” Shearer told SPORTbible.

“If he wants to come, we’ll definitely take him. He’s amazing.”

Kvaratskhelia enjoyed another excellent season with PSG, scoring 19 goals as the French giants completed a domestic double. The Georgian also impressed during Euro 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting attacking players in world football.

Richards Picks Mbappe

Micah Richards, meanwhile, selected France captain Kylian Mbappe when speaking to SPORTbible.

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“Kylian Mbappe. In terms of creating his own goals, Kylian Mbappe,” Richards said.

“He’s my favourite player. I think he’s unbelievable. I know he’s not won anything for Real Madrid this season but individual brilliance, he’s the best for me.”

Mbappe once again demonstrated his quality at the World Cup by scoring twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal. The Real Madrid forward continues to close in on the competition’s all-time scoring record and remains one of the biggest stars in the game.

While England boast plenty of quality throughout their squad, Ferdinand, Shearer and Richards all identified world-class talent from abroad who could potentially elevate Tuchel’s side even further as they pursue World Cup glory.

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