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

15:08Gary Lineker: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 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 his squad and he'll have to live or die a bad left decision wouldn't it?

15:32Alan Shearer:He will there's still time that could turn around if he finishes the season really well at Real Madrid and say they went and won the Champions League or something he was brilliant it would be very hard to leave him out So before I go on I think one thing for Trent and I'm not putting myself in the same boat as Trent but the fact that he needs to deal with this in the right way because Tuchel's not going to be there forever and I remember when we won the league and I didn't get called up for England 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.

16:12I 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 wanted 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?

16:54Alan Shearer:I wouldn't have thought so but it's a strange one I don't know about you Al but if I were Harry Kane I'd 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 yeah you know what I mean as a striker

17:13Gary Lineker:I mean you'd love to play with him in terms of balls into the box and balls up to you 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 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 England as well. I mean, I know Calvert-Lewin had a great opportunity, didn't he, that he missed it in the second half. But, yeah, it is alarming, really, I think, the lack of centre-forwards, that top-quality centre-forwards that we've got in our country.

17:52Alan Shearer:That's actually one of the questions, Al, which was why I was holding it off. there's one or two of those questions actually around the centre forwards I'll do it now Doogie We once had a choice of Shearer Sheringham Fowler Cole Wright Ferdinand Collymore Letizia 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?

18:20Gary Lineker:I'll go back the same thing all the players that they mentioned pre-1996 with the number of centre forwards that we had. It was unbelievable. And there hardly seems to be any now. We've sort of covered that in terms of, because there's that many number 10s. I guess the way English, or a lot of English football has gone is that forwards perhaps might not be getting touched with the ball and they just thought, no, I'll drop deeper. It is alarming, the lack of centre forwards. I mean, it probably was for Olly Watkins the other night with those two playing and Solanke did all right. Calvert-Lewin came on Mr Absolute Sitter I guess he was sat here I'm thinking there you go I need to be in the squad yeah and that's what he'll be thinking yeah

19:03Alan Shearer:because when you get a chance you've got to you've got to score as a striker my theory on this is obviously the shift in the game's tactics so you've now got three fours when we played there were two centre 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, Daum and Ngomar, possibly for the future, one on each side. And then, you know, you've got people like Palmer, Saka, Madweki, you could go on, Phil Foden, you could say play, can play on those positions.

19:50Alan Shearer: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.

20:09Gary Lineker:No, not at all, no. It's a worldwide thing, isn't it? Look at Italy, look at Germany. Yeah. They're not graced with top centre-fours, I don't think. So you're right, it's not just an English problem.

20:19Alan Shearer:I saw you smirk slightly there, Michael, when I said it's a harder game to play up there because we play with a back to goal. Do you beg to differ? I wanted to intervene, but you're actually right in what you're saying, guys. I would normally try to clap back, but you're actually right. Trying to play centre-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 let's take a break there and then when we come back we'll answer as many of your questions as we can welcome back to the rest is football with Alan Shearer Michael Richards and me Gary Linneke right thank you once again for sending in your questions much appreciated let's get cracking with Kula King I feel that's not his real name it's a good one though Given Sir Gareth 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?

21:28Alan Shearer:I don't think he's got a poor reputation has he?

21:31Gary Lineker:I mean Has he? 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 reputation I think it's a lot of love

21:44Alan Shearer:for Gareth out there as a human being and as a 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 and 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? This question is brought to you by Fuse Energy, our presenting partners here at the Rest is Football.

22:23Alan Shearer:Each month, Fuse gives 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 this summer? The World Cup is getting very close now. Well, I know that Spain are actually the bookies' favourites, 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? France. France have got a hell of a squad, haven't they?

23:02Alan Shearer:I mean, I saw, did you see, I saw them arrive at their headquarters the other day. They do, were they all like unbelievably dressed? It was like a, it was a great year,

23:11Gary Lineker:wasn't it?

23:12Alan Shearer:Well, I guess it's a French thing and some of the players, I mean, Eketike's outfields you'll be loving all that I bet you're loving it aren't you did you see Elyse's hat that he wore oh steady on Mike he was doing striptease there but they've got an amazing squad

23:30Gary Lineker:led by Mbappe I don't know

23:33Alan Shearer:though I'm going to 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, have we got a chance? 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. 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. Oh yeah, but it wasn't all English players, was it? Well, yes. Why do you think being English stops you playing in the sunshine?

24:19No, but I'm saying that the players who play in Spain, in Italy, in France, have better weather. They're better equipped to deal with that.

24:30Alan Shearer:They all play at night because it's too hot for them. They play at night. Honestly, it's no different. I don't buy that temperature thing. When was the last team to win in a hot climate in Glennavonny? cups of hot climate really isn't it exactly England have already arrested my case to won it in 66 well Germany have won loads I mean it's not there Germany have better weather than England nah

24:54Gary Lineker:Mike has turned into John Ketley so John Ketley's a weatherman

25:01Alan Shearer:so is Michael Fish yeah so Michael Fish what tsunami's coming in the summer who's going to win it Mike If you had to pick one, come on. If I had to pick one, I would go with you, Spain. Spain, yeah. I think Spain have to be... Obviously, we'd all love England to win. Portugal are little outsiders. I outside bet. I think they'll have to control. They have the old Ronaldo, 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 outside. and also don't rule out Argentina and even Brazil but I'm going Spain, Mike is going Spain, you're going France, Salah ok, if you want your question answered on the show and you fancy saving on your energy bill, sign up to Fuse Energy at FuseEnergy.com slash football, just make sure you use the referral code FUTBALL all uppercase this episode is brought to you by Disney Plus

26:08Gary Lineker: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. So it's the perfect home for the UEFA Women's Champions League. To right, you can catch all the action in every match live.

26:29Alan Shearer: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.

26:41Gary Lineker:And there's an all-English tie between Chelsea and the reigning champions, Arsenal.

26:46Alan Shearer:Yes, Al, it's a fantastic tournament and watching it all play out is going to be edge-of-your-seat stuff. Looks like Disney Plus is the one. The UEFA Women's Champions League, every match live, only on Disney Plus. Find out more at DisneyPlus.com. 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. Non-stop checking scores, fixtures, injuries and suspensions. And that's just for fantasy football, let alone the real thing.

27:26Alan Shearer:The next few months decides who goes on and wins something. And on the subject of wins, People's Postcode Lottery's big spring win is back. You could win a share of£25.7 million in their April draws.

27:41Gary Lineker:And the best bit, your postcode is your ticket. That's it. To enter, make sure you sign up before midnight on the 31st of March.

27:50Alan Shearer: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 Whoop. In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday. And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury. It's just fatigue creeping in. Off the pitch, everyday life stacks up too. work, travel, late nights, early starts. Whoop helps you see how sleep, recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time.

28:32It's like a health scout working quietly in the background. No screed, no constant pings, just deeper insight into your health when you actually need it.

28:41Alan Shearer: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.

28:49Gary Lineker:It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run. Consistency beats intensity every time.

28:55Alan Shearer:If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join.whoop.com slash 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 Kula King I feel that's not his real name it's a good one there Given Sir Gareth 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

29:38Gary Lineker:has he 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 toughest thing I don't know whether he's got that reputation I think it's a lot of love

29:51Alan Shearer:for Gareth out there as a human being and as a 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 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? Yeah, really good. We were singing his praises for a long time.

30:26I 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 a, I won't say born winner, but he's a proven winner, you know, over the last five years. A lot of people say, well, he shouldn't have got the job. similar to Racine at Chelsea however I think he's been brilliant changed the culture in the camp it looks a happier camp players engaging a lot more he just couldn't get over the line in the finals but that was it we've always spoke highly of God

31:03Alan Shearer:I've got one from Naka why do English fans and media persist with the narrative that they are favourites for every World Cup despite not doing something meaningful for 60 years. I don't think that is true. I see something that gets levelled at England. 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.

31:42Alan Shearer: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 conception all around because probably, you know, football's coming home song. And I think that's why fans from other places think, oh, they're so arrogant, when actually that song is pure self-deprecation and having a go at ourselves because we've been bloody useless since 66. No, we are arrogant as a country and I love it. I love it. Once we get past the groom stages, then you do your 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.

32:24But that's what makes us England, you know? I think we say it 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 England's you know top goal scorer Premier League of course we're going to start believing aren't we you know but I love it and I like being arrogant I don't mind I love being come on then it's just we need to get one over the line soon

33:01Gary Lineker:we said it the other day there are three or four favourites that we think will win it and England are in the group after that that yeah there's a chance but I wouldn't go in all guns blazing and say we're going to do this or do that but I think we've got a reasonable chance yeah

33:18Alan Shearer:they're definitely one of the front runners I think I think Spain have to be favourites 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 if you know we know what it's like as well you know a lot of our players we've been knackered by the summer but Chelsea did win the Club World Cup 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 games the style showbiz of American football we'll have half-time shows we had them won the Club World Cup didn't we I mean Americanisation of our games has been creeping in 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 commercials in at that point.

34:16Alan Shearer: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. Hold your horses like because we've got more commercials on this pod than anyone. That was going to be my next point. I'm not going to really blast anyone for having commercials when that keeps us going on here. It keeps us going. Keeps us flowing, doesn't it, guys? 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.

34:52Gary Lineker:No, 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 Mexico and Canada.

35:07Alan Shearer:A bigger fear for me, rather than water breaks, I've got no real issue with that, it's 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 suddenly, 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 there were breaks of an hour two hours three hours and you think that for television is going to be a nightmare because I there's no way around it though is there?

35:53Alan Shearer:well you can't I mean the nature of the things over there but I mean I've seen so many storms as well 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 Chappers and Gabby. that won't be easy it's fine for 5-10 minutes but you're going for an hour hour and a half bring some research with you you know what was hilarious I've done a couple of fillers of Gaz over the times you've been doing co-coms as well 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 not a senior broadcaster, but I'm not new anymore.

36:57So 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, come to somebody else. I've got nothing left for you, Gaz. I've got nothing left. I've got nothing left, honestly. Crikey. The fillers are the worst, the worst, when you, especially when it's not a great game or there's nothing really you can get into or talk about. It's very difficult.

37:27Alan Shearer: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 eight? Should the starting midfield be Rice, Bellingham and the most informed 10 going into the World Cup? I think that's a reasonable point.

37:48Gary Lineker:He can do both, can't he?

37:49Alan Shearer: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 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.

38:33I think he's, I wouldn't say made his mind up,

38:36Gary Lineker:but I think positions that he'll play is Rice and Anderson, and then Rodgers ahead of them. 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 and it was starting tomorrow, I think that would be the three that he might play.

38:53Alan Shearer:Could you really not start Bellingham, really? If he's fit, Micah? Could you not start him? Well, yeah, I mean, he could. Would I start him every single time? Because he's just got that moment of genius and I feel like he can do both roles. but in international football you have to play what's best for the team. I don't see how you can play best for the team and not have him, Jude, in there if he's fit. 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 been injured and all that sort of stuff but I think against a lesser team I would play with Bellingham and Rice and maybe someone like a Rodgers who can do both, who can get up and down.

39:49But if you're playing against top teams, you need someone holding in there. You need someone for stability.

39:55Gary Lineker: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. But the only thing is that 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.

40:14Alan Shearer: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 it. I don't get it.

40:45Gary Lineker:I do think, though, guys, I do think we have a manager who doesn't give a flying F what anyone thinks. He's going to make his own mind up on whoever he wants, and I respect that.

40:55Alan Shearer:That's his job. He's got to do it. But it's our job to have a view 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 as three teams will qualify for most groups, therefore making this phase of the tournament far less meaningful and exciting.

41:18Gary Lineker:I think so, yeah. I think I said it straight away, the number of games and the number of countries that 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, you have to be pretty bad to not make it through.

41:33Alan Shearer:For big footballing nations. 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, when the World Cup's over, you think, oh, I wish it could have been another week. We have that now with more teams, don't we? So let's see. And we've got Netflix, mate. We should be buzzing about every game. Absolutely can't wait to do it. I mean, you know what it's like once it starts as a buzz as well. Of course. And the group stage won't be quite as exciting as it is. But what we do have is an extra knockout round.

42:11Alan Shearer: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's when the jeopardy really starts. And then it's, you know, it's do or die. Sink or swim. hey

42:28Gary Lineker: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

42:38Alan Shearer:right Glenn would you risk taking Max Downman to the World Cup I don't think it's a risk I don't know 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 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.

43:14Alan Shearer:But we, you know, so was Lamin-Yemal and he set the tournament alight at the same age, two years ago. So you don't rule things out. No, no. Wrap him in cotton wool. Not yet. Remember Theo 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, three Premier League games or something like that? Come on, we can't. It's too soon. It's too soon. And like you said, unless he scores eight goals to the end of the season and the Champions League and an Arsenal go win the league, totally agree with you.

43:54However, no.

43:55Alan Shearer:Well, that's it. At the moment, you'd say no, obviously, because he's not played enough. He's not started a Premier League game yet. If you do have someone special, it might be a good experience for him to go along. You've got that many players in the squad, but his time will come at some point.

44:14Gary Lineker:Yeah, agreed.

44:16Alan Shearer:All right, this question here from Nathan. Think about this, Micah, okay? It's a question for you and you alone. Oof. Start two for England out of Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer. Come on, big knees.

44:40Who's got the best record? Kane's got the best record for England, hasn't he? so stats wise you would have to say Kane goes in there

44:48Gary Lineker:well he's not asking stats wise he's asking you so stop sitting on the fence oh okay alright I love this I love this I remember you said that so the eye test the eye test is what you want yes okay you can fucking

45:02Alan Shearer:memory test with us two

45:09Alan Shearer:I'd go Kane and Rooney personally I love Kane however I like Al's era man so Al's got to be my number nine Al's going up front hang on a minute right

45:27Gary Lineker:honestly he knows he knows his shit does this Michael Richards he knows his stuff you've got to put Al up front mate because when I seen when I seen Al in an England shirt there was something just iconic about it

45:41Alan Shearer:Something just not that great, yeah? Gaz has got the golden boot and all that in tour. But them days, it was so far back. I mean... What do you mean it was so far back? The black and white days.

45:56Gary Lineker:That's what you want to say. The black and white days. What year did you get your golden boot, Gaz? Please, what year?

46:03Alan Shearer:1986. That's what I'm saying. That was before I was born. So I've not even seen real footage of that. It's ridiculous. So, to go for you, I would just be lying. You know what I mean? I would just be doing it for content. You should just do this on World Cup goals, Micah. And then, it's obvious that's the way to go. I wasn't even bored. I wasn't even bored. How many World Cup goals has Rooney got in Shearer? Couple each. Couple each. Maybe not even that. And then Harry Kane's got eight, and I've got ten. So, there you go. Hey!

46:43so just behind just behind Alan I mean you've got to go I think the the rudely shearer partnership

46:52Alan Shearer:hang on Kane scored what Kane scored 70 odd now hasn't he for England Rooney's got 50 and a bit I got 48 and Al's got 30 and you're going to pick Al yeah

47:06Gary Lineker:he knows his stuff Michael

47:08Alan Shearer:he knows his stuff you know no wonder you never got a manager's job.

47:17Yes, I'm going with Alan Shearer and Rooney in behind him. That's what I'm doing.

47:22Alan Shearer:Fair enough. I've got no problem with that. Okay, now I'm definitely docking your wages. Docking your wages, Michael. He's found you now. 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 I think he was

47:53Gary Lineker:one of the few that came out 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

48:06Alan Shearer:he's versatile as well yeah Micah

48:09Gary Lineker:I love Ghana.

48:13What's his best position? You said he's versatile, which is good for an England camp. But for Everton this season, he's been extraordinary. Everything, whether it be tackles, passes, creativity. He's just the main man in that midfield. So yes, I would take him.

48:29Alan Shearer:He could be an alternative pivot because I think Anderson might be the man for that spot. Yeah. Yeah, I think he's good enough. 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 without doubt OK let's call it a day there thank you very much once again for sending in your questions 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 goodbye from me

49:06Gary Lineker:goodbye from me

49:20Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster, Zero Ultra. That's the OG. It kicked off this whole Zero Sugar Energy drink thing. But Ultra is a whole lineup now. You've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian, Sunrise, and Vice Guava. And they all bring the monster energy punch. So if you've been living in the white can, branch out. Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe. And every single one is zero sugar. Tap the banner to learn more.

49:49Gary Lineker:You know what they say. Early Bird gets the ultimate 30A vacation rental. Wait, they don't say that? They do now. Book early and save over$530 on select homes for week-long stays with Vrbo. That's the way to 30A. Abercrombie's active brand, your personal best, is built for every part of your workout routine. The YPB neo-knit hoodies and sweatpants are soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Your perfect warm-up layers. And for leg day, or any lifting day, pair YPB Motion Tech shorts with their active tees and tanks. Level up your workout routine with all new Active by Abercrombie. Shop YPB in the app, online, and in stores.