England icon Alan Shearer has insisted the country must back Thomas Tuchel despite him being branded a 'German Spy' following his controversial World Cup decisions. The Three Lions were dragged into the last 16 thanks to Harry Kane's late brace against DR Congo, rescuing Tuchel and the team from humiliation after trailing for over an hour.
Tuchel's Squad Selection Under Fire
Thomas Tuchel's squad selection has come under criticism, particularly his choice of injury-prone right-backs Reece James and Tino Livramento, both of whom are now injured. Speaking to Daily Star Sport via Betfair, Shearer dismissed a fan's belief that Tuchel is a German spy, with the 26-man squad selection seen as an act of sabotage.
The fan asked: "Hi Alan, the right back situation is a joke, how Tuchel thought taking the two most injury prone right-backs in the country to the World Cup is beyond me. Is he actually a German Spy? If this costs us the World Cup he has got to go."
Shearer Calls for Unity
But Shearer called on the country to back Tuchel, replying: "Thomas Tuchel has taken a huge gamble in saying he has chosen unity over quality. He did take two right-backs who have been injured for large parts of the season and have a history of being injured for a while. But it is his neck on the line and if it backfires then he will come under huge criticism."
Shearer added: "It would not have been the squad that I would have chosen, but we have to back him. It does looks as if they're in a spot of bother in terms of right back positions but let's wait and see if he gets to the final and wins it. Fine, if he doesn't then I am sure the criticism will be very, very harsh indeed."
Players Must Accept Criticism
Shearer also understood the complaints of an angry fan who slammed players who call out pundits and fans for being rubbish, saying they "need to grow up." Shearer added: "We pay a fortune for tickets and travel and if players can't give 100% in the shirt, then they deserve to be told how it is."
Shearer replied: "I think when you're an international player you have to accept you are going to be criticised at some stage and you also just have to get on with it. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. They have done that for years and years and that will continue forever. It is part of football being on television you have to understand that and accept that, particularly at international level."
Upcoming Clash Against Mexico
England have set up a daunting clash against Mexico in the Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Monday morning, a test of the team's bottle at high altitude and in a cauldron of support for the joint hosts. Betfair launched Alan Shearer's 'Hot Take Hotline' ahead of this summer's World Cup, giving fans the chance to vent their strongest opinions and share their hot takes directly to an England legend throughout the tournament. The Hot Take Hotline is now live, and fans can get involved by calling 0800-707-4073 and leaving a voicemail.
