Alan Shearer Leaves England Fans Divided With Stern Jude Bellingham Demand

Alan Shearer has given England fans plenty to argue about before the FIFA World Cup even begins. The England national team legend has suggested that Jude Bellingham should not automatically start, a claim that has instantly split opinion.

Bellingham is one of the biggest names in world soccer and is usually seen as a guaranteed starter, but Shearer believes England may need to make a tough call if it helps the balance of the team. With expectations high heading into the tournament, his comments have added a fresh debate around one of England's most important players.

Speaking on the team selection Shearer said, "Jude doesn't start the first game for me. I think Thomas will go with what has done well for him in England games: (Elliot) Anderson and Declan Rice [at the base of midfield], and then Morgan Rogers ahead of them. I would expect him to go with those three. That's what I would do."

Naturally such a bold take from Shearer was met with fans sharing their thoughts while some agreed, others did not see it the same way.



One fan said, "if Bellingham is ever dropped, England will be out of the competition in the group stages."

"If he drops Jude who does he want to play the no.10?"- said a fan asking an all important question.

Agreeing with the England legend a fan said, "Harsh, but after last season, you can see where Shearer is coming from."

Another fan said, "I mentioned this to someone too. Dropping him allows England the transition it needs."

"I don't see this happening. He's definitely a starter."- commented a fan.

A fan defending Bellingham said, "Old heads are the worst man, drop him for who??"

While Shearer suggested that Bellingham be dropped, if squad numbers are anything to go by, Bellingham will play a pivotal role in the upcoming world cup.

England's World Cup squad numbers are out, and fans are already trying to read between the lines.

Jude Bellingham getting the No. 10 shirt is the big one. With questions around where he fits under Thomas Tuchel, that number could suggest he is still very much in the mix for the attacking midfield role ahead of Morgan Rogers as suggested by the former Newcastle United striker.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 11:53 AM.