World Cup Favourites, England’s Forward Problem & No Room For Bellingham?

Summary

The Rest Is Football – Episode Summary

Episode Title: World Cup Favourites, England’s Forward Problem & No Room For Bellingham?
Date: March 30, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode blends sharp football insight with the trio’s signature banter and chemistry, focusing predominantly on England’s squad dilemmas ahead of the World Cup, the evolving landscape of world-class centre-forwards, controversial selection decisions, and a lively debate about the true World Cup favourites. Listener questions drive much of the latter half, with the panel dissecting popular talking points from tactical trends to media narratives surrounding England.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Anecdotes & Warm-up Banter ([01:21] – [05:07])

• Micah’s Cycling Mishap: Micah shares a humorous account of a cycling accident in Portugal, lightening the episode’s mood and highlighting their camaraderie.

  “I went over the side of the road and landed in the thorniest, toughest bush you could have imagined.” – Micah Richards [01:48]

• Alan’s Sober Rave: Alan reveals he attended a rave without drinking, joking about his role as “security” for his mates.

  “You can’t really get into the real flow because you’re not drinking... you end up being security for your mates all night.” – Alan Shearer [04:11]

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2. England vs. Uruguay Friendly Analysis ([06:43] – [09:48])

• Drab Match, Little Spark: The hosts agree the friendly provided few insights due to experimental line-ups.

  “It was another one of those drab friendlies... apart from players that wouldn’t ordinarily start getting a chance.” – Gary Lineker [06:52]

• Player Standouts:
  • Garner, Rashford, and Maguire highlighted positively.
  • Trafford’s solid performance as goalkeeper.
• Exhaustion & Squad Rotation: Discussion regarding the physical toll on England players, especially post-Christmas, justifying Southgate’s rotation/rest policy.

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3. Selection Politics & Club vs. Country ([09:48] – [11:14])

• Arsenal’s Withdrawals: Arteta draws comparisons to Ferguson in player “protection.” Debate over club pressure to skip friendlies for squad regulars like Rice and Saka.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold Exclusion:
  • Gary’s View: “Football-wise, there’s no argument. I can’t see how he can not be in that squad.” [11:22]
  • Speculation: Is there a personal issue or just tactical disagreements?
  • Ben White Situation: Touches on player-camp relationships with caution, avoiding judgment on limited information.

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4. Right Back Roulette — A Detailed Look ([12:59] – [15:13])

• Tuchel’s Preferences:
  • Shearer and Richards analyze likely pecking order at right back: Rhys James (often injured), Livermento, Ben White.
  • All panelists agree that even as a “luxury” or “wildcard,” Trent’s unique qualities warrant inclusion in a 26-man squad.

  “No one on the ball can do what Trent can do... in tournaments, it’s moments that get you over the line.” – Alan Shearer [13:36]

• Managerial Big Decisions: If Trent continues to be left out (assuming form and fitness), Tuchel will “live or die by that decision.” [15:13]
• Player Reactions: Alan relates his own experience with feeling unwanted by England after a selection snub, warning against permanent fallouts.

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5. England’s Forward Problem — Where Are the Strikers? ([17:01] – [19:52])

• Listener Q: Why has England’s supply of center-forwards dried up?
• Richards’ Theory:
  • The tactical shift to a front three and “number tens” means fewer traditional 9s.
  • It's “not just an English problem,” as top sides like Italy and Germany have similar shortages.
• Lineker’s Input:

  “When we played, there were two centre forwards... most of the talent prefers wide forward roles now. Playing as a 9 is harder than ever.” – Gary Lineker [18:44]

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6. World Cup Favourites — France, Spain, England or...? ([21:25] – [24:09])

• France Praised: All agree France’s squad is loaded, with star power and depth.
• Spain Tipped by Gary & Alan:

  “I think Spain have to be favourites ahead of us. Personally, I think France too.” – Gary Lineker [39:09; also 23:43]

• Climate Debate: Alan jokes about England struggling in the heat; Gary disputes its importance, citing modern tournament conditions.

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7. Fan Questions Segment ([27:06] – [47:12])

a. Southgate’s Reputation

• Mixed Perceptions:

  “There’s a lot of love for Gareth out there... a frustration that we got so near so often and didn’t quite get over the line.” – Gary Lineker [28:14]

• Shearer cites initial skepticism, but all commend his culture change.

b. Are England Fans Over-Optimistic?

• The “Arrogance” Label:

  “We are arrogant as a country and I love it... it’s just we need to get one over the line soon.” – Alan Shearer [30:30]

• Discussion about self-deprecation and the legacy of “It's Coming Home”.

c. Americanizing Football — Adverts & Water Breaks ([31:41] – [35:51])

• General Consensus: Water breaks may be necessary but the hosts resist further Americanization (e.g. four quarters). Gary raises TV’s challenge with US-style storm delays.

d. Bellingham’s Best Position & Selection ([35:51] – [39:09])

• Listener Q: Should Bellingham play as an 8 or a 10?
• Host Views:
  • All agree Bellingham is “box-to-box” and too good to leave out if fit.

  “I don’t see how you can play best for the team and not have Jude in there if he’s fit.” – Gary Lineker [37:43]

  • Alan notes England often “compensates” for possible weaknesses instead of focusing on player strengths.

e. New World Cup Format — Devalued Group Stages? ([39:19] – [41:02])

• Richards’ View: Three teams advancing makes group games flatter and almost all big teams will progress.
• Shearer Notes Upside: Longer tournaments mean more football for fans (“We have Netflix!”).

f. Breakout Star? — Max Dalman for England? ([41:02] – [42:39])

• Gary and Alan caution it’s too soon for Dalman, but acknowledge his prodigious talent could eventually push him into contention if he breaks out for Arsenal.

g. Ultimate England Attack — Pick Two ([42:39] – [45:33])

• The great striker debate! Micah is asked to choose two from Rooney, Kane, Lineker, Shearer:
  • Picks “Alan Shearer and Rooney”, despite stats and gentle ribbing from Gary.

  “When I seen Al in an England shirt, there was something just iconic about it.” – Micah Richards [44:04]

h. James Garner’s Case ([45:46] – [47:12])

• Full panel praise for Garner’s emergence and believe he’s earned a place in England’s World Cup squad.

  “He’s the main man in that midfield...yes, I would take him.” – Alan Shearer [46:31]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being hard to impress:

  “We have this very strange condition of looking for players’ weakness rather than their strengths.” – Gary Lineker [38:38]

• Alan on England’s World Cup optimism:

  “Once we get past the group stages... ‘Oh, we’ll beat them’. But I love it!” [30:30]

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Important Timestamps

• Micah’s bike crash story: [01:41]–[03:31]
• England-Uruguay friendly discussion: [06:43]–[09:48]
• Trent Alexander-Arnold exclusion: [11:22]–[15:13]
• England’s forward problem: [17:01]–[19:52]
• World Cup favourites debate: [21:25]–[24:09]
• Southgate’s reputation: [28:14]–[29:25]
• Arrogance & expectations: [30:30]–[31:41]
• Water breaks & American influence: [31:41]–[35:51]
• Bellingham’s position debate: [35:51]–[39:09]
• New World Cup format concerns: [39:19]–[41:02]
• Max Dalman discussion: [41:02]–[42:39]
• Ultimate England striker choices: [42:39]–[45:33]
• James Garner’s form: [46:16]–[47:12]

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Tone & Style

The panel mix sharp analysis with joking, affectionate ribbing, and self-deprecation — all in their characteristic laid-back yet authoritative manner. Laughter regularly punctuates the episode, especially in personal anecdotes and during striker debates. Their love of the game and view that "no topic is off the table" keeps the conversation lively and wide-ranging.

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Summary

This episode deftly balances insight and entertainment as it dissects England's persistent squad dilemmas, debates tactical and selection quirks, explores international contenders for the World Cup, and addresses fans’ burning questions. The hosts’ chemistry and experience deliver a perspective both relatable and shrewd, enriched by locker room stories and candid admissions — always with a side of good-natured banter.

Transcript

[Alan Shearer]

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[Gary Lineker]

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[Alan Shearer]

Try it today at Starbucks.

[Gary Lineker]

5am I'm up with a crisp Celsius energy drink running 12 miles today.

[Micah Richards]

Grab a green juice, quick change and head to work. Meetings, workshops. One more Celsius. No slowing down. Working late, but obviously still meeting the girls for a little dancing. Celsius live fit.

[Gary Lineker]

Go grab a cold refreshing Celsius at

[Micah Richards]

your local retailer or locate [e-mail] Coming

[Gary Lineker]

up on today's show, I think Spain have to be favorites ahead of us. Personally, I think France too.

[Alan Shearer]

We are arrogant as a country and I love it. I love it. It's just we need to get one over the line soon.

[Gary Lineker]

Could you really not start, Bellingham? Really, if he's fit.

[Alan Shearer]

Every other team backs their players, don't they?

[Gary Lineker]

We have this very strange condition of looking for players weakness rather than their strengths.

[Alan Shearer]

Went to a little bit of a rave last night.

[Micah Richards]

What are you doing? I mean, what are you doing? Like bopping and dancing away.

[Alan Shearer]

Just, just bopping. Just giving it somehow, you know, a couple of good things every now and then.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello, and welcome to the Rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Sheeran, me, Gary Lineker. Micah, you're. Where are you? London.

[Alan Shearer]

London, London town.

[Gary Lineker]

Lovely. How you're away.

[Micah Richards]

I'm away in Portugal. Yeah, yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And you shared on your Instagram story.

[Micah Richards]

Disaster.

[Gary Lineker]

It came off your bike. You got scratches everywhere.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, God.

[Gary Lineker]

Talk us through it. How what happened?

[Micah Richards]

Well, I was just. I was just pedaling along nicely on. On a road and went to blow my nose. So I've just got hold of the handlebars with one hand and I've just hit a big, huge pothole. And I just thought, oh, no, I'm going here. And it was just a matter of where I was going to go and how I was going to fall. I went over the side of the road and I landed in the thorniest, toughest bush you could have imagined.

[Gary Lineker]

Honestly, I was like, stop laughing, Mike, he's injured.

[Micah Richards]

I went over the handlebars. My arms and my legs are cut to bits. Honestly, I've got everywhere my whole body. And I just laid in the bush thinking for a second or two thinking, oh. And then I realized there was nothing broken. So I was quite happy. And then it was just a matter of getting up quickly in case anyone seen me. I was that embarrassed. Oh. But I just thinking, oh, I've Been through this before. I don't need another broken bone.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, but you're okay.

[Micah Richards]

But thankfully it's just. Just loads of cuts and grazes and scratches everywhere.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, you're too old for that nonsense.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, you might be right. You might be right. It's a lot easier walk golfing.

[Alan Shearer]

Hold on, wait, wait. Can we just rewind it a few bits? You tried to blow your nose while he was on the.

[Micah Richards]

Well, I just. Yeah, I just tried to blow my nose out.

[Alan Shearer]

So what I did.

[Micah Richards]

Well, I just went like that. Went to blow it like that.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, the old footballer one. They clearing one nostril. Oh, that's disgusting.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I did, yeah. Sorry if. Yeah, but then I. And then all of a sudden I was heading towards this bush and I just couldn't stop myself. Heading towards it over the handlebars and straight into. Oh, if you had it. If someone had a video. I had a picture on me laid in the middle of this bush.

[Gary Lineker]

Closest you've been to a bush for a while.

[Micah Richards]

Didn't expect a lot of sympathy off you buffoons anyway, so. Yeah, thank you.

[Gary Lineker]

We were all very sympathetic when you. When we saw it on the chat. I mean, Mike, have you been safe? Are you all right?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I'm safe and sound, yes. Yeah, I went to a little bit of a rave last night.

[Gary Lineker]

Did you?

[Micah Richards]

Did you?

[Alan Shearer]

In Shoreditch? Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, still no alcohol?

[Alan Shearer]

Still no alcohol, no.

[Micah Richards]

Very good. I'm impressed. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Late one?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I got back at I think 5:30.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh my.

[Alan Shearer]

What?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, that's a proper one. What you do. I mean, what are you doing? Like bopping and dancing away, just.

[Alan Shearer]

Just popping, just giving it somehow, you know? You know what I mean? A couple of good fingers every now and then and back into the book. You can't really get into the real flow because you're not drinking, are you? So it's like you have. You go in for 30 seconds and then you come back and you're like, you know, I'm not mellow here. Do you know what I mean? I'm sober, so it's not the same. You just end up being security for your mates all night.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, no one's going to mess with you on that.

[Gary Lineker]

So, yeah, I think given the lack of energy shown by you two this morning, we'll have a break for a second. This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we kick off a quick pre match warm up from fuse one question. Four options and two contestants. Today's question. Chelsea conceded just 15 goals in the 20045 season which Premier League side has the next best defensive record? Was it a Arsenal from 9899 b Manchester City 1819 Chelsea from 0607 or Manchester United 08 09?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, Arsenal for me.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I would have to just copy Alan. I'm jumping on the bandwagon.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, sometimes it's good to jump on a bandwagon and sometimes it's not. On this occasion it was a good idea. The best sides don't give things away. It should be the same with your energy. Get more than just lower [e-mail] football use the code football all uppercase. When you sign up, save around £200 on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football questions on the pod Full terms and conditions@fuse energy.com Right, let's talk a little bit about England and, and then we're going to take a lot of your questions because you've been kind enough to send us quite a few around the international scene, around England etc, the forthcoming World Cup. So we'll, we'll answer those shortly. We were going to originally do this episode all about the English Uruguay game, but there wasn't much to talk about. It was another one of those kind of drab friendlies with nothing at stake and, and apart from I suppose, players that wouldn't ordinarily start giving them a chance to shine.

[Micah Richards]

Tough opposition, I guess physically tough. Tough to break down. But yeah, it's always difficult in, in, in friendlies anyway. But when you've got a team that are all on the fringe, I guess, or the vast majority of them on the fringe and trying desperately to prove something, I think in those games it's probably easier to play yourself out than it is play yourself in the squad. Two or three good performances. I thought Garner was good. Rashford showed signs. Harry Maguire other than that was a pretty tough night for some others I

[Alan Shearer]

guess I would agree. Al I went to a restaurant and I got a game out for us and you know what you're looking for for some reason. International football, any football. You get that little oh, can't wait to watch the game tonight, you know. Yeah, have a dinner, have a few drinks, non alcoholic obviously for me and then you watch it and the tempo's slow and you're thinking players are coming in and we've all been there. Maybe not for you guys, but I've been on the fringes and you're doing everything you can to get it going but the game's flat. They're really aggressive tactically. They Know what they do, trying to make it physical. And the game was just, it was boring, it's flat.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

You sort of looking and holding onto something to sort of think, okay, well in that situation, what. What do I want to see? But I just thought it was so hard for anyone to show what they could do because of the state of the game really. Just, just a friendly. Exactly what it was, but with a few files thrown in.

[Gary Lineker]

I looked around all the so called big footballing countries in Europe and pretty much all of them played really strong lineups. Even Uruguay that were against England played a really obviously strong team. They've got some top players in their squad. England clearly didn't. It was very much for the players perhaps on the periphery of the starting 11 at least or, or even the squad. Is that a sign that once again our players are perhaps generally more exhausted at this stage so feels like he needs to give them some sort of a rest?

[Micah Richards]

I think it was a decent idea in terms I said it'd before and even before a ball was kicked, I thought it was a good idea for him because of that. The number of games at the play and the physicality because it is different in our league, in the Premier League, there's no doubt about it. It's quicker, it's aggressive and it's tough. And the number of games, I guess they had to give them a few days off. I think that was the right thing to do. But it still doesn't mean that I enjoyed the game. I thought the game was really dull and I guess he didn't get a lot out of it and he'll get more out of Tuesday's game then, then I think he would have of, of the other night.

[Alan Shearer]

I thought Trafford did well though, the goalkeeper.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

I thought he looked assured in that as well. But apart from that I have to agree with you. It's difficult for the players, like I mentioned before, but it just didn't have any spark. Obviously there's a few moments within that in the. The sort of. I don't know if you're going to lead to sort of the Ben, Ben White situation and all that, but as for the, for the football, yeah, it wasn't great.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, it was flat and I, I wonder if you're gonna do that. You could have brought them all in and took them all on holiday and give them a proper rest, which sounds a bit daft, but given the, you know, the amount of football that our players play, particularly over that hectic mental Christmas period, it'd be quite Good for them just to go on holiday somewhere and have this a little break. Interestingly, couple obviously Arsenal have got a lot of couple players pulled out of this squad now both Saka and Declan Rice have gone that they join people like Saliba and Gabrielle and one or two players. I think Arteta is playing a Sir Alex role here.

[Micah Richards]

Not surprising. It happens. It goes on. I think you got to look at it from his point of view and the club's point of view. I guess they're going. They're trying to make history.

[Gary Lineker]

All managers have done that but generally it's up to. It's down to the player. The manager was always pressure you to pull out of England friendlies particular. And I mean I don't know about you Al, but to me a couple of times and both times I went no chance.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, yeah, that's fine. And you've got, you've got the right to do that as a player and I guess they are friendlies and if there are two that are pretty much guaranteed in a place in the squad, it's Rice and Saka. Maduecki's pulled out as well, hasn't he? Within injury as well.

[Gary Lineker]

So he went off though, didn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

What do you.

[Micah Richards]

What do you think on the Trent situation guys in terms of him not even making that size of the squad and what's gone on with. And Tuchel's sort of said he feels as if others are ahead of him.

[Gary Lineker]

My personal. Well, you know, I'm obviously a big admirer of Trent. I think there's something personal because football wise there's no argument. I can't see how he can not be in that squad because he has to improve your chances even if it's from the bench. So I suspect respect this. There's something that Tuchel does not like about Trent. Alexander Arnold, we're just guessing in terms of what it might be, whether it's attitude, whether he's not brilliant defensively. There has to be something in that because it makes absolutely no sense. You've got players playing in his position, with all due respect that are not in the same league as him, certainly with the ball at his feet. As you saw in these kind of games you need someone to a bit of magic to unlock things and he will provide you that. So it doesn't make sense to me. I don't. Whether it's his attitude or whatever it is, I don't know. But I find it also quite insulting bringing players in. We talk about the Ben White situation, for example. Here you know he's not wanted to play for England. Now I wouldn't judge him on that because we don't really know what exactly happened in the camp and his reasons for not playing, the players do within the squad and you know, there were talks about big fallouts and him not being treated very well, you know. And then Tuchel said he's called him what he's brought him in now that that's fine but I can't see how he can still be ahead of. Of Trent Alexander Arnold. I think that it's really insulting to a seriously stop fullback. So that's my view, Micah, it's your position.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. We spoke a bit about this before, didn't we, on the, on the last part. But I think taking it forward, it's more. Well, Rhys James has always struggled with injuries, haven't you? So say in Tuchel's mind he's number one.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Then Livermento, who we're all massive fans of, but he's only played, is it three or four games for England? Yeah. And then after that you're going Ben White, he's already played five or six games for England as well and for Arsenal lately. So if you're looking for experience, if you know sometimes you're going to have to look after Rhys James because history tells us that then you need more experience. Now you go on to the technical aspect. You can always put a center off right back if need be, just to sort of COVID that situation if you want to go super defensive. But no one on the ball can do what Trent can do. So you know, in tournaments, you guys have played in loads of tournaments that it's moments that get you over the line and he can produce something special. So if you've got a squad of 26, is that going to be the. The end number guys? You'll know better than me, it looks

[Gary Lineker]

like being that, I think. Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

So before squads have always been 23, haven't they? So if you've got three exit players who you're not quite 100% sure of or trust them as a manager, but you've always got them just because they could produce something special, then Trent falls into that category. And that's what I would say about the situation. And we all know if managers don't trust you, your time's up. However, with the 26 man squad that it's probably going to be. I think Trent should, should definitely be in because of his competition.

[Micah Richards]

It's one of the things that I guess we've all wanted a strong manager to make big, tough decisions and you have to do that as an England guy. But it's, it's certainly going to be one. If he doesn't win it, then the questions will be chucked at him because of that. But hey, we've hired him to make big decisions and it looks as if that Trent's not going to be in, in his squad and he'll have to live or die by that decision.

[Gary Lineker]

He will. There's still time that could turn around. If he finished a season really well at Real Madrid and say they went and won the Champions League or something and he was brilliant, it would be very hard to leave him out.

[Alan Shearer]

So before you go on, I think one, one thing for Trent, and I'm not putting myself in the same boat as Trent, though, but the fact that he needs to deal with this in the right way because Tuchel's not going to be there for forever.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

And I. When we won the league and I didn't get called up for England, I asked to go. I got asked to go on standby. And in that decision, I made an emotional decision to say I would rather go to the Olympics. Because Stuart Pearce was a manager. I wanted to go somewhere who. Someone who loved me. And then after that, my England career just wasn't non existent because a lot of people were saying, oh, he's turned his back on his country. Why would he want to rather go to the Olympics instead of going on standby for England in a tournament? But I just to go somewhere where I was loved and I don't. We've had the situation with Ben White now where everyone's talking about, oh, he's turned his back on his country. You rightly said, Gaz, that we don't know what's happened, so we can't really have an opinion on that situation. But he just needs to treat the situation delicately because he doesn't want it to ruin his whole England career. Because Tuchel's not going to be there for longer than Trent's career, is he?

[Gary Lineker]

I wouldn't have thought so. It is. It's a stranger. I don't know about you, Al, but if I were Harry Kane, I'll be knocking on Thomas Tuchel's door going, hang on a minute. Are you really not going to take this kid that might provide me with two or three goals?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

You know what I mean? As a striker. I mean, you'd love to play with

[Micah Richards]

him in terms of balls into the box and balls up to. Up to you.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

There's not many Better than Trent at doing that. I know there's one or two defensively questions you'd ask, but ability wise, I'm, I'm with you. I mean he's got brilliant ability when he's pinging the ball to you or pinging it into the box. So yeah, I thought you were going to say about the lack of forwards for, for England as well. I mean, I know Calvert Lewin had a, had a great opportunity, didn't he? That he, that he missed it in the, in the second half. But yeah, it is alarming really. I think the, the lack of center forwards, that top quality centre forwards that we've got in our country.

[Gary Lineker]

That's actually one of the questions, Al, which was why I was holding it off.

[Micah Richards]

Right.

[Gary Lineker]

There's one or two of those questions actually around the center forwards. I'll do it now, Doogie. We once had a choice of Shearer, Sheringham Fowler, Cole Wright, Ferdinand Collimore, Leticia Sutton, Beardsley, Dublin, Owen in the late 90s. Realistically, we only have Kane. Nobody else stands out. Why have we had such a decline in the English forwards over the years?

[Micah Richards]

I go back, same thing. All the players that they mentioned pre 1996 with a number of center forwards that we, that we had, it was unbelievable. And there doesn't hardly seem to be any now. We've sort of covered that in terms of. Because there's that many number tens. I guess the way English or a lot of English football has gone is is that forwards perhaps might not been getting in touch with the ball and they just thought, no, I'll drop deeper. It is alarming the lack of center forwards. I mean it probably was for Ollie Watkins the other night with those two playing. And Solanke did all right.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Calvin Lewin came on. Mr. Absolute Sitter. I guess he was sat at home thinking, there you go.

[Gary Lineker]

Absolutely.

[Micah Richards]

I need to be in the squad. Yeah. And that's what he'll be thinking. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Because when you get a chance, you, you gotta, you gotta, you've got to score as a striker. My, my theory on this is obviously the shift in the game's tactics. So you now got three fours. When we played, there were two center forwards. So therefore there's two spots in the side. And I think most of the really talented players like to play either on the right as a forward or the left as a forward in those areas. Obviously we have quite a bit of talent and talent coming through as well. I would say with, you know, down and Gomoa possibly for the future. One on each side. And then you know, you've got people like Palmer, Saka, Madwa, you could go, could go on Phil Foden, you could say place float camper on those positions and then you've got one spot as a nine. And I think possibly young players now, it's harder playing there. You play with your back to goal a lot of the time. You don't get to front up to players and you can take them on. It's a different kind of role. And I don't think it's just in England we can say that.

[Micah Richards]

No, not at all. No.

[Gary Lineker]

It's a worldwide thing, isn't it?

[Micah Richards]

I mean look at Italy, look at Germany.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

They're not graced with. With top center forwards. I don't. I don't think so. You're right. It's not just an English brother.

[Gary Lineker]

I saw you smirk slightly there, Micah, when I said it's a harder game to play up there because you play with it back to goal. You beg to differ.

[Alan Shearer]

I wanted to intervene, but you're actually right in what you say, guys. I would normally try to clap back, but you're actually right. Trying to play center forward is very difficult because like you said, everyone wants to touch it and feel it, don't they? Touch it, feel it, get involved, you know. So yeah, I think it is hindering the number nine position for sure.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Let's take a break there and then when we come back, we'll answer as many of your questions as we can. This question is brought to you by Fuse Energy, our presenting partners here at the rest is football. Each month Fuse give their customers the chance to send in a question for us to tackle on the show. And today's question is from Steve who asks which nation do you think will go all the way way this summer? The World cup is getting very close now. Well, I know that Spain are actually the. The bookies favorites, closely followed by England, France and Argentina and Brazil. I think they're the big five. Who do you fancy? I mean it's a bit early, a couple of months to go. A few months. Not actually. It's creeping ever closer. Who do you fancy?

[Micah Richards]

France.

[Gary Lineker]

France have got a hell of a squad, haven't they? I mean I saw. Did you see? I saw them arrive at their headquarters headquarters the other day. They do with it all like unbelievably dressed. It was like. Well, that's what. I guess it's a French thing and some of the. I mean Ekitike's outfit.

[Micah Richards]

I bet you're loving it, aren't you?

[Gary Lineker]

Did you see Elise's hat that he wore?

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, steady on.

[Gary Lineker]

My kids doing strip tease there. But yeah, they've got an amazing squad

[Micah Richards]

led by him and Bupy.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know though, I'm gonna go with Spain. I think they could do a repeat of what they did a decade or so ago and win consecutive tournaments. I mean, they've got some players. Spain, England. Micah, we got a chance.

[Alan Shearer]

I would always back England, especially with the players they have available. The only thing is the climate. The climate, guys. You know what it's like playing in that heat.

[Gary Lineker]

Can I say one thing here, Micah, Go on. Who won the club World cup in America at the same time of year? 12 months ago? Chelsea.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, yeah. It wasn't all English players, was it?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, yes. Why do you think being English stops you playing in the sunshine?

[Alan Shearer]

No, but I'm saying that the players who play in Spain, in Italy, in France have better weather. They're better equipped.

[Gary Lineker]

They don't play at night because it's too hot for. For them. They play honestly, it's no different. It really. I. I don't buy that temperature. Okay.

[Alan Shearer]

When was the last team to win in a hot climate? In.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, every World Cup's a hot climate, really, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

Exactly. England have already arrest my case. That won it in 66.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, Germany have won loads.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean, we have better weather than England.

[Micah Richards]

Mike has turned into John Ketley. John Ketley is a weather mode and so is Michael Fish.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes. So Michael Fish. So what? What tsunami is coming in the summer. Who's going to win it? Mike, who's you? If you had to pick one. Come on.

[Alan Shearer]

If I had to pick one, I would go with you.

[Gary Lineker]

Spain. Spain. Yeah. I think Spain have to be. Obviously we'd all love England to win. I Portugal a little outsiders outside bet. I think they'll have to control. They. They'll Ronaldo whether, you know, whether they have to manage his minutes and he accepts that. I think that would be important. But they have got some cracking players. I think it's a good outside bet Portugal if they are that that outside. And also don't. Don't rule out Argentina.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And even Brazil. So. But I'm going Spain. Mike is going Spain. You're going France. Salon. Okay. If you want your question answered on the show and you fancy saving on your energy bills, sign up to Fuse [e-mail] FUS Football. Just make sure you use the referral code. Football. All uppercase. This episode is Brought to you by

[Micah Richards]

Disney plus As the home of the Lion King, the Incredibles, Princess Leia and many more, Disney plus has always been a place to watch powerful, fearless, unstoppable and iconic champions.

[Gary Lineker]

So it's the perfect home for the UEFA Women's Champions League.

[Micah Richards]

Too right. You can catch all the action in every match live.

[Gary Lineker]

The quarterfinals are looking very tasty. There's an El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Manchester United will face Bayern Munich and Lyon will take on Wolfsburg.

[Micah Richards]

And there's an all English tie between Chelsea and the reigning champions Arsenal.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes Al, it's a fantastic tournament and watching it all play out is going to be edge of your seat stuff.

[Micah Richards]

Looks like Disney plus is the one.

[Gary Lineker]

The UEFA Women's Champions League every match live only on Disney Plus. Find out [e-mail] this episode is brought to you by People's Postcode Lottery. We're into the business end of the season now. Spring is when the league table starts taking shape and cup competitions reach their crescendo. Fine margins, big moments, bigger consequences.

[Alan Shearer]

Non stop checking scores, fixtures, injuries and suspensions. And that's just for fantasy football, let alone the real thing.

[Gary Lineker]

The next few months decides who goes on and wins something. And on the subject of wins, People's Postcode Lotteries, big spring win is back. You could win a share of 25.7 million pounds in their April draws.

[Micah Richards]

And the best bit, your postcode is your ticket. That's it. To enter, make sure you sign up before midnight on 31 March.

[Gary Lineker]

Is your door in the draw? Sign up at postcodelottery.co.uk. people's Postcode Lottery Manage lotteries on behalf of good causes. 18 plus conditions apply. Play responsibly. Not available in Northern Ireland. This episode is brought to you by.

[Alan Shearer]

Whoop.

[Gary Lineker]

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[Micah Richards]

And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury. It's just fatigue creeping in off the pitch.

[Gary Lineker]

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[Alan Shearer]

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[Gary Lineker]

Whoop. Makes it easier to see what's helping you stay well and what's taking more out of you so you can build habits that actually last.

[Micah Richards]

It's about keeping yourself steady over the Long run consistency beats intensity every time.

[Gary Lineker]

If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join.whoop.com T R I F to get started with whoop. Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richards and me, Gary Lineker. Right, thank you once again for sending in your questions. Much appreciated. Let's get cracking with Cooler King. Sure that's not his real name. It's a good one, though, given Sagara Southgate has the best record of any England manager, apart from Sir Alf Ramsey. Why does he have such a poor reputation among football fans? I don't think he's got a poor reputation, has he? I mean, has he?

[Micah Richards]

I don't know. I just think. I think. I guess because we. We got so far with him but didn't really get over the line and that was the. The toughest thing. I don't know whether he's got that.

[Gary Lineker]

I think it's a lot of love for Gareth out there as a human being and as a football. Football man. And what he's done for England, he turned things around. We were in dire straits when he took over, and there wasn't really much of an affinity towards the English football team from fans at all. I think he transformed. That went really close. I think sometimes there's a frustration about the fact that we went so near so often. He didn't quite get us over the line, but I don't think there's. I think most fans would agree that he did a really, really good job for England. Wouldn't you, Micah?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, really good. We were singing praises for a long time. I just think maybe he gets a little bit of stick because a lot of people didn't think he deserved the job at the time. So when you've got Tuchel now, he's. I won't say born winner, but he's a proven winner. You know, the last five years, a lot of people say, well, he shouldn't have got the job similar to receiving at Chelsea. However, I think he's been brilliant. Change of culture in. In the camp, it looks a happier camp. Players engaging a lot more. He just couldn't get over the line in, in the finals, but that. That was it.

[Gary Lineker]

We've.

[Alan Shearer]

We've always spoke highly of Girth.

[Gary Lineker]

I've got one from Naka. Why do English fans and media persist with the narrative that they are favorites for every World cup despite not doing something meaningful for 60 years? I don't think that is true. I see something that gets Leveled. I mean everyone gets excited for the World cup but actually I think in reality there's a lot of self deprecation. We put ourselves down because we know we're not going to win it. I think in recent tournaments the English team has progressed sufficiently to have a chance of winning it. But I can't remember any of us actually predicting England to win a tournament for a while in the media as well. They tend to get, you know, we tend to be quite hard on our team. I think there's this concept exception all around because probably it. The, you know, football's Coming home song and I think that's why fans from all other places think oh, they're so arrogant when actually that song is pure self deprecation and, and having a go at ourselves because we've been bloody useless in 66.

[Alan Shearer]

No, we, we are arrogant as a country and I love it. Once we get past the what the groom stages, then you do you map out your way. Oh, we'll beat them. Oh, if we're on it, we can beat them. Oh, no problem. Honestly. But I love it. But that's what makes us England. You know, I think we say when we've got the players to do it. If you go back to the golden generation that you were supposed to be Alan or you just before, if you look at the players that you had in your squad, it was ridiculous. So I mean we can hope, can't we, with the quality. When you bring England's, you know, top goalscorer Premier League, of course we're gonna start believing, aren't we? You know, but I, I love it and I like being arrogant. I, I don't mind it being. I love the. Come on then. It's just we need to get one over the line soon.

[Micah Richards]

We said it the other day, there are three or four favorites that we think will win it and England are in the group after that. That. Yeah, there's a, there's a chance but I wouldn't go in all guns blazing. So we're going to do this. I don't. That I think we've got a reasonable chance.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. That they're definitely one of the front runners. I think, I think Spain have to be favorites ahead of us. Personally, I think France too, although the bookies don't agree with that. So I think there's, you know, after that I would say would if, you know, we know what it's like as well. You know, a lot of our players we knackered by the summer but. But Chelsea did win the club World Cup. So, so who knows? Twitter dad, he says, what are your thoughts on adverts during water breaks at the World Cup? Do you think America are trying to get FIFA to reshape the game to the style showbiz of American football? We'll have halftime shows. We had them won the Club World cup, didn't we? For, I mean Americanization of our game's been creeping in for, for some time, I suppose. I mean, they will need water breaks probably because it's going to be seriously hot and it will be an excuse for bringing commercial in at that point. That won't necessarily be the case obviously on BBC because they're not allowed to show commercials. So they'll be filling in gaps there.

[Alan Shearer]

Hold your horses out. Because we've got more, more commercials on this pod than anyone.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, that's what I was going to. Those were going to be my next point. I'm not going to really blast anyone for having commercials when, when, you know, that keeps us going on here, keeps us going, keep going.

[Alan Shearer]

Keeps us flowing, doesn't it guys?

[Gary Lineker]

But in terms of, in terms, in a, in a more serious point, in terms of the nature of football, you don't really want it to turn into four quarters generally, I don't think.

[Alan Shearer]

No.

[Micah Richards]

But as you say, because of the circumstances, I don't think you're going to be able to get away with it because of the heat or the humidity or whatever. And that's just one of the consequences of having the World cup when we do, I guess in the summer in America or unless from Mexico and Canada,

[Gary Lineker]

a bigger fear for me rather than water breaks. I've got no, no real issue with that. Sensible. The bigger issue for me and concern is the nature of the storms that you get in North America in particular at that time of year which we experienced, didn't we, in the Club World cup where, where suddenly. And you know, you say I watch a lot of golf as I know you do as well, Al. You know, as soon as there's like a hint of lightning anywhere near, in close proximity, they'll stop playing in the golf. And they did the same in the Club World Cup. Some of the games they were breaks of an hour, two hours, three hours. And you think that for television is going to be a nightmare because I,

[Micah Richards]

you know, we're around it though.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Is there? Well, you can't. I mean it, the nature of the things over there. But I mean I've seen so many storms as well in, in the summer World Cups and European Championships. They just carry on Whereas in America they have this thing that the hint of lightning and they stop play. So I don't know how FIFA deal with that and I don't know quite how television will deal with that. I mean, imagine you might have to do a two or three hour film. Micah in the studio there with. Yes. With Chappers and Gabby.

[Alan Shearer]

And

[Gary Lineker]

that won't be easy. It's fine for five, 10 minutes, but you're going for an hour, hour and a half. Bring some research with you.

[Alan Shearer]

You know what was hilarious? So I've done a couple of fillers of gas over the times you've been doing cocoms as well, but. So you didn't work that much in the studio. When I was working in the studio, but Gaz used to do this thing. He used to look at me and then like when we've got a fill. So I might give him an answer. I've been going back and forth for 10 minutes and I'm senior, I'm. I'm not a senior broadcaster, but I'm not new anymore, so Gaz is allowed to rely on me to come for me. I remember one time he was looking at me like, come in. I just looked the other way. I was just like, go to someone else. I've got nothing left. I've got nothing left. I've got nothing left. Honestly, the fillers are the worst. The worst. Especially when it's. It's not a great game or there's nothing really you can get into to talk about is. Is very difficult.

[Gary Lineker]

Nothing will stop us on Netflix. I'm telling you that now. Samba scout. Why does Jude Bellingham keep getting classified as a 10 for England when he's a clear 8? Should the starting midfield be Rice? Bellingham and the most informed 10 going into the World Cup? I think that's a reasonable point.

[Micah Richards]

You can do both, Connie.

[Gary Lineker]

He can do both. But personally I think he's box to box. I think that's his real strength. And he can run and he can tackle, he can win the ball and he can run with the ball and he doesn't give it away. I agree with Samba scout on this one. I would love to see that play. But at the same time it's quite hard to play with those two players forward thinking. And a 10 because you might struggle on the counter attack because both like to get forward. So it might be more of a, you know, holding player like a Henderson or someone. Then perhaps Bellingham and Rice and then three up top. It depends whether you want to play with a 10 or it depends which way he wants to play.

[Micah Richards]

I think he's, I wouldn't say made his mind up. I think positions that he'll play is Rice and Anderson and then Rodgers ahead of them. Yeah, I think that's worked for him. I think he enjoys that. And other than a form or injury or whatever, then if everything was all equal in and it was starting tomorrow, I think that would be the three that he might play.

[Gary Lineker]

Could you really not start Bellingham? Really? If he's fit, Micah, could you not start him?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, yeah, I mean he could. Would I start him every single time? Because he's just got that moment of genius and I think like he can do both, both roles but in international football. But you have to play what's best for the team.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't see how you can play best for the team and not have him, Jude in there if he's fit.

[Alan Shearer]

But then Trent as well. Trent didn't even get in the squad so obviously certain players are being sacrificed. I would always play Jude because I just love how dynamic he is and I know he's being injured and all that sort of stuff. But I think against a lesser team I would play with Bellingham and Rice and maybe someone who, like a Rodgers who can do both, who can get up and down. But if you're playing against top teams, you need someone holding in there, you need someone for stability.

[Micah Richards]

But Declan Rice is box to box as well, isn't he? When he's at his best he's a box to box player.

[Alan Shearer]

But the only thing is, I will say and quickly on this is every other team backs their players, don't they? And we have a tendency to say, or the other team play like this so we need to, you know, compensate for them.

[Gary Lineker]

We have this very strange condition, I would call it, of looking for players weakness rather than their strengths. I've always thought that we're kind of. It's like, oh, Trent's brilliant passing the ball. Yeah. But he can't defend, you know, Jude Bellingham, what a player. All round talent. Incredible. Yeah, but he's probably really difficult to deal with. I mean, it's like, you know, we're so hard on. I don't get it.

[Micah Richards]

I do think though, guys, I do think we have a manager who doesn't give a fly an F what anyone thinks. He's going to make his own mind up on whoever he wants and I respect that.

[Gary Lineker]

That's his job, he's got to do it. But it's, it's our job to, to Have a view. Yeah, on it. And we will, no doubt, but we'll always try and be fair. Joe Porter, does the new format diminish the value of the group stage and remove jeopardy from many games? Games as three teams will qualify from most groups, therefore making this phase of the tournament far less meaningful and exciting?

[Micah Richards]

I think so, yeah. I think I said it straight away. The number of games and the number of countries are now playing in the elite the World Cup. I think that is the case because it's virtually impossible not to get through to the next round, isn't it? I mean it's, you have to be pretty bad to not make it through

[Gary Lineker]

for big footballing nations.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, yeah. I think there's some games going to be very flat, aren't they? However, for the World Cup, I think it's nice to see new teams and see, you know, then when the World Cup's over, you think, oh, I wish it could have been another week. We, we have that now with more teams, don't we? So yes, let's see. And we've got Netflix. We should be buzzing about every game. Absolutely. Can't wait to do it.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, you know what it like once it starts as a buzz as well. And the group stage will be a. Won't be quite as exciting as it is, but what we do have is an extra knockout round. Now in terms of the well being of footballers, it's probably not a great thing. But in terms of a tournament, you know, an extra round, there's a round of 32 now, so that, that's when the jeopardy really starts. And then it's, you know, it's do or die, sink or swim.

[Micah Richards]

Hey, the number of air miles you'll be doing, Micah, you'll be desperate for it to end. You won't want another week at the end of it, that's for sure.

[Gary Lineker]

Right. Glenn, would you risk taking Max Dalman to the World Cup? I don't think it's a risk. I don't know. I don't. Risk is probably the right road. It's just whether there's space for it depends. I mean if he starts, you know, you never know what might happen in the next two months. And if he, if he, if he performs and comes on and plays a lot of games for Arsenal, which is probably unlikely given the nature of where Arsenal are at the moment, but I think he'll definitely feature it in some of those games. He's such a prodigious talent that it's not impossible at the moment. You would Say it's highly unlikely and he is so, so young. But we, you know, so was Lamine Yamal and he set the tournament light at the same age two years ago. So you don't rule things out.

[Alan Shearer]

No, no. Wrap him in cotton wool. Not yet. Remember Phil Walcott when he was young and he'd not even played in the Premier League? He was at Southampton in the championship. I believe Diamond's only played, what is it, three Premier League games or something like that? Come on. We can't. It's too, too soon. It's too soon. And like you said, unless he scores, wow, eight goals to the end of the season and the Champions League and an Arsenal win the League. Totally agree with you. However, no.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, that's it. At the moment, you'd say no, obviously, because he's not played enough. He's not, you know, he's not started a Premier League game yet. You know, if you do have someone special. I don't. It might be a good experience for him to go along. You've got that many players in the squad. But it's his. His time will come at some point.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, Agreed.

[Gary Lineker]

Right, this question here from Nathan. And think about this micro. Okay? It's a question for you and you alone. Start two for England out of Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer.

[Micah Richards]

Come on, big meeps.

[Alan Shearer]

All right, who's got the best record? Kane's got the best record for England, ain't he? So stats wise, you would have to say Kane goes in there.

[Micah Richards]

Well, he's not asking stats wise, he's asking you. So stop sitting on the fence.

[Alan Shearer]

Hey, all.

[Gary Lineker]

All right.

[Alan Shearer]

I love this. I love this. I remember you said that. So the eye test. The eye test is what you want?

[Micah Richards]

Yes.

[Alan Shearer]

Okay.

[Gary Lineker]

Memory test with us, too. I'd go Kane and Rooney.

[Alan Shearer]

Personally, I love Kane. However, I like Al's era, man. So I'll. Al's got to be my number nine. Al's going up front.

[Gary Lineker]

Hang on a minute.

[Micah Richards]

Right, so honestly, he knows. He knows his. Does this Michael Riches. He knows he's stuck.

[Alan Shearer]

You've. You've got to put. Put Al up front, mate. Because when I seen. When I seen Al in an England shirt, there was something just iconic about it.

[Gary Lineker]

Something just not that great. Yeah,

[Alan Shearer]

Gas has got the, you know, the golden boot and all that in torment. But them days, it was so far back. I mean.

[Gary Lineker]

What you mean it was so far back.

[Micah Richards]

Black and white tears. That's what you want to see. The black and white in white tears.

[Alan Shearer]

What year did you get your golden boot? Guys, please. What year?

[Gary Lineker]

1986.

[Alan Shearer]

That's what I'm saying. That was before I was born. So that I can't even see real footage of that. It's ridiculous. So it's a go for you. I would just be lying, you know what I mean? I would just be doing it for content.

[Gary Lineker]

You should just do this on World cup goals, Micah. And then. And it's obvious that's the way to go.

[Micah Richards]

I think even, Even born, I wasn't even.

[Gary Lineker]

How many welcome goals does Rooney got and Shearer couple each. Couple each. Maybe not even that. And then Harry Kane's got eight and I've got 10. So there you go.

[Alan Shearer]

So just behind, just behind Alan. I mean, you've got to go. I, I think that the, the rudely Shearer partnership.

[Gary Lineker]

Hang on. Kane scored.

[Micah Richards]

Scored What?

[Gary Lineker]

Kane scored 70 odd now, isn't he, for England? Rooney's got 50 in a bit. I got 48 and Al's got 30. And you're gonna pick Al?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, he knows his stuff, Michael. He knows his stuff.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, no wonder you never, never got a manager's job.

[Alan Shearer]

Yes, I'm going with Alan Shearer and Rooney in behind him. That's what I'm doing.

[Gary Lineker]

Fair enough. I got no problem with that. Okay, now I'm definitely docking your wages. Docking your wages. I'm fine. One more, because I just wanted to mention this player. Worth a shout, I think. And discussion. Matthew Roscoe, what did you make of James Garner? And do you think he deserves to be on the plane in the summer? England can't make the same mistakes again, forcing too many technical forward players together.

[Micah Richards]

I think he was one of the few that, that came out with a. With credit in the game the other night against Uruguay and he's having a brilliant season, so I think he will go up to the World cup and I think he's a very, very talented player.

[Gary Lineker]

He's versatile as well.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, Micah, I love Ghana. I just. What. What's his best position? You said he's versatile, which is good for an England camp, but forever in this season, he's been extraordinary. Everything, whether it be tackles, passes, creativity. He's just the, the main man in that midfield. So, yes, I would take him.

[Gary Lineker]

He could, you know, be an alternative pivot, because I think Anderson might, might be the man for that spot.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Yeah, I think, I think he's good enough for, to play for England. You see, technically he's good enough and physically he can get around the pitch. So, yeah, I would. I would take him for sure. Yeah, without doubt.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay, let's call it a day there. Thank you very much once again for sending in your questions. They're much appreciated. We'll be back on Wednesday with premier League greats, the moments that made them. And one Frank Lampard. He wasn't a bad player. Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye for me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Gary Lineker]

Short dramas. TikTok ahora.