Manager Alan Shearer has criticized England’s first-half performance in their final group stage match against Panama at the 2026 World Cup.
At half-time, with the score tied at a frustrating 0-0, the legendary striker-turned-pundit was unreserved in his assessment of the Three Lions’ stagnation in New Jersey.
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Shearer says Rashford and Saka are not good enough on the ball
The former England captain directed his sharpest criticism at wingers Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, accusing the Manchester United and Arsenal stars of failing to show quality despite seeing plenty of the ball.
Manager Thomas Tuchel entrusted both forwards to start as part of a rotation team, but they struggled to break down the low block of Panama’s solid defense.
“I haven’t looked at the stats but I can see that Rashford and Saka have been involved in a lot of England’s achievements, but they haven’t done enough,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It was really disappointing from the first 10 minutes when we were moving the ball with purpose and I was hoping they would continue to do that, but they just didn’t.”
England have already secured a spot for the next match.
The first half’s play drew heavy criticism online and in the commentary box, but the stakes are relatively low for the Three Lions.
Tuchel’s side have already mathematically booked a spot in the round of 32 following their opening game in Group L.
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However, the top spot in the group remains a big chance. A draw or a shocking defeat against a Panamanian side that has already been eliminated could make the road to the finals very complicated.
With an important win needed to secure a more favorable draw, England will need to dramatically step up their second-half intensity and creativity if they want to avoid a frustrating failure.
