In his BBC Sport column, former England striker Alan Shearer says he has changed his mind and now believes England can win the 2026 World Cup, following their dramatic victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to reach the quarter-finals. Shearer, who admits he did not truly believe in England's chances before the game, argues the performance has lifted the whole nation and instilled genuine confidence and belief, comparing the feeling to England's 4-1 win over the Netherlands at Euro '96.

Shearer, 55, describes the Mexico result as the best team performance he has seen from any England side in his lifetime, praising the squad's togetherness and adaptability under manager Thomas Tuchel, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham scoring but every player contributing despite the altitude, hostile atmosphere and going down to 10 men. He notes England, who lost the 1996 semi-final on penalties 30 years ago, next face Norway in Miami, with the winner potentially meeting Argentina or Switzerland. Shearer highlights the challenge of stopping Erling Haaland — who scored twice to knock out Brazil — suggesting the answer is to cut off his supply rather than mark him, and frames the tie as a shootout between Haaland and Kane, both chasing the Golden Boot.