Alan Shearer, former England captain and Premier League’s all-time top scorer, said England can compete with the best teams at the World Cup but does not expect them to win it. "I think with the talent that we have… success, I guess, is winning. But when you think about who you're going up against, Spain or France or Brazil or Argentina, maybe Portugal, I just think as you go deep into the tournament, (there will be) squads better than England," Shearer said in interviews this week [1, 2].

Shearer emphasised that England's success will depend on a strong defensive performance and the form of captain Harry Kane, a Bayern Munich striker who topped the Bundesliga scoring charts for a third consecutive season with 36 goals. "If we defend really well and Harry can do what he's done, then we have got a live chance of winning it," Shearer added [1, 2].

Regarding Kane’s workload, Shearer does not expect him to play every minute in the tournament. He referenced the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., noting players struggled in high temperatures. "I don't expect Harry Kane to play every minute of every game. If England are winning comfortably, I don't think our manager will care about Harry getting a hat trick. He'll get him off and try and wrap him in cotton wool for the next game," Shearer said [2].

Shearer also urged patience with England manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad decisions. "He might have left some better players out but in terms of harmony, he felt he was better off going with the players that he chose. He has to be allowed to do that," Shearer said, backing Tuchel to manage the squad even if some choices prove unpopular [2].

Squad management will be crucial this year, as organisers expect soaring temperatures during the tournament. Measures such as water breaks, larger squads, and increased substitutions are planned to help players cope with the heat [1, 2].

The expanded World Cup will feature 183 Premier League players, up from 133 at the Qatar tournament. Forty of the 48 participating nations will have players from England's top flight, highlighting the league’s global reach [1, 2].

Shearer's interviews took place from June 2 to June 5, 2023, offering early insight into England’s preparations ahead of the tournament [1, 2].