Shearer names England's 3-2 win over Mexico the best Three Lions performance of his lifetime

Alan Shearer has declared England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca the best team performance he has ever witnessed from an England side, and now believes Thomas Tuchel’s squad can go on to win the World Cup. The result sent the Three Lions into the last eight, where they face Norway this weekend.

Shearer, who had been openly sceptical about England’s chances heading into the tournament, said the win in Mexico City was the moment that changed his thinking entirely. Writing for the BBC, he said: “We might actually be able to win this thing. From the fans to the players, that’s what everyone must be thinking after England’s epic win over Mexico — I know I am — when I genuinely didn’t feel that was the case before the game.”

The former striker was equally emphatic about the quality of the display itself. “I am 55 and I’d describe that display as the best team performance I’ve seen from any England side in my lifetime, particularly away from home,” he wrote. “I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed togetherness or team spirit like that — to get a result in such a tough scenario. That’s how good it was.”

Jude Bellingham was the standout performer, scoring a brace against Mexico to add to his growing tournament tally. Harry Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, is firmly in contention for the award again after continuing to deliver at the sharp end of the competition.

Shearer acknowledged that England have leaned heavily on their two marquee players — Kane also scored twice in the second half of the earlier win over DR Congo to prevent an upset — but argued there is nothing wrong with relying on your best when the pressure is on.

England now face Norway in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final against Argentina waiting beyond that. Tuchel’s side are favourites to progress, and with Shearer’s conversion from doubter to believer, the mood around the squad appears to have shifted significantly after what he described as a genuinely historic night in Mexico City.