England’s path to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 became a little more complicated after their Tuesday draw with Ghana. With a crucial match against an already eliminated Panama looming on Saturday, former England striker Alan Shearer has offered a candid assessment of manager Thomas Tuchel’s side, particularly highlighting concerns over their attacking wide players.

Wingers under scrutiny after Ghana draw

Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke started on the wings against Ghana, but their performances drew criticism from Shearer. Speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan, Shearer expressed his desire for more aggressive, forward-thinking play from England’s wide attackers.

“I didn’t think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana. By that I mean they didn’t attack their defender enough when we got the ball out to them out wide,” Shearer stated, emphasizing the need for wingers to challenge opposition full-backs directly.

In response to this perceived lack of directness, Shearer suggested a significant change for the Panama fixture. Both Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have featured as substitutes in England’s opening two group games, and Shearer believes they should be unleashed from the start.

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“Saka’s fitness is surely the only reason he hasn’t started either game so far, but if he’s ready this time then he would come in on the right, with Rashford on the left. What I want to see from both of them is more energy and to be more direct in one against one situations by trying to go past players,” Shearer added, outlining his tactical vision for England’s attack.

Kane’s crucial role and historical context

Despite Panama’s early elimination from the tournament, having lost both their matches and guaranteed to finish bottom of the group due to the head-to-head rule, England still needs a victory to ensure they top their group. Shearer stressed the importance of keeping captain Harry Kane in the starting XI to achieve this objective, rather than resting the striker.

England currently sits atop their group, a position they will be keen to consolidate. While the draw against Ghana might feel like a setback, historical data offers some comfort: every World Cup winner since 2006 has dropped points in either their first or second group game, yet all went on to win their respective groups. This pattern has been observed in the current tournament too, with impressive teams like France struggling in the first half of their opener against Senegal, and Spain drawing with Cape Verde.

With Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson anchoring the midfield, and John Stones and Ezri Konsa providing defensive solidity in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the focus remains on England’s attacking impetus. The call for more decisive wide play against Panama underscores the urgency for England to stamp their authority and secure a favourable draw in the knockout stages.

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