Shearer: England can win World Cup after Mexico victory

Alan Shearer has admitted he now believes England can win the World Cup after their dramatic victory over Mexico, a performance he described as the best team display he has seen from an England side in his lifetime.

Speaking after the match at the Azteca Stadium, the former England striker said the result had transformed his outlook. 'I've changed my mind, we might actually be able to win this thing,' Shearer wrote. 'From the fans to the players, that's what everyone must be thinking after England's epic win over Mexico – I know I am – when I genuinely didn't feel that was the case before the game.'

Turning point for belief

Shearer, who played for England at Euro '96, drew parallels with that tournament when a 4-1 win over the Netherlands at Wembley sparked a similar surge of optimism. 'In my experience as a fan, player or pundit, whenever England have done well at a tournament, there's always a performance like that from us somewhere that lifts everyone, the whole nation, and makes you think, 'wow, we can do this',' he said.

England fell short in 1996, losing on penalties in the semi-finals, but Shearer believes this squad has the qualities to go further. 'We fell agonisingly short in 1996 but, 30 years on, there are plenty of reasons why this England side are capable of going at least one step further.'

Team depth and adaptability

Shearer highlighted the contributions of players beyond the usual stars. 'I've talked before at this tournament about how England have often relied on their big-hitters to get us out of trouble. There is nothing wrong with that, and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham delivered yet again with their goals against Mexico. But to go deep at this World Cup we were always going to need the other players to step up too, and they certainly did that in the last round.'

He praised manager Thomas Tuchel's substitutions and the team's ability to adapt. 'I don't look at this England team and think we've got a set identity, in the way Spain always dominate possession or Argentina are built around Lionel Messi. Instead, we are adaptable. So far, we have just played the game in front of us, changing our approach depending on whoever we are up against and how the game is going.'

Togetherness under pressure

The match saw England play with 10 men for a period, yet they secured a result Shearer called 'pretty much complete' given the altitude, hostile atmosphere, and numerical disadvantage. 'I don't think I've ever witnessed togetherness or team spirit like that – to get a result in such a tough scenario,' he said.

He also noted the camaraderie in the dressing room, with John Stones faking an injury before dancing, and Tuchel's amused reaction. 'It's another insight into why this team means it when they say they are together, and the manager is part of that too.'

Focus on Norway

Looking ahead, Shearer warned against overlooking Norway in the quarter-finals. 'It is very tempting to look ahead at who we might face in our semi-final – either Argentina or Switzerland – but we have got to get past Norway first.' He added, 'I am feeling confident but I think everyone would agree that if we can stop Erling Haaland then we have got a much better chance of winning that game.'