Shearer: England must believe they can win World Cup

England are not expected to win the World Cup and that doesn’t sit easily with Alan Shearer.

The man who was captain of England at two major tournaments acknowledges Roy Hodgson’s squad may reap the benefits from the reduced pressure.

But Shearer believes there is usually a good reason for low expectations.

“As a player, I preferred to have the expectations,” said the former Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United star.

“I’d much rather be in that situation, because it means you’re going in as one of the big guns, one of the favourites.

“Players have to believe you can win it, otherwise there’s no point in going.

“You should never use pressure as an excuse. It’s not really pressure, is it, going to play football for your country in some part of the world?

“Up to two years ago at the Euros, every tournament I played in or watched it’s been the same: ‘We’re going to get to the final, we’re going to do this, we’re going to achieve that’.

“Of course, ultimately it’s led to huge disappointment but I would still rather believe we have a chance.

“This time, I don’t think we can win it, though I do think England could get to a quarter-final or a semi-final.

“The lack of expectation might work in our favour. It might give the players a bit more freedom to play.

“I think our back four is the weakest part of our team but I believe our forwards can be our great weapon.

“I’d like to see England on the front foot. Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling these guys have all had fantastic seasons.

“That’s easier said than done. We’ve got a tough group, and a really tough opening game against Italy.

“It’s imperative you don’t get beaten in your first match, because you’re up against it then.

“Rooney’s record at international level is not bad but he hasn’t performed as well as he’d like in major competitions. He will tell you that he needs a big tournament.

“If he has one, that could lead to England doing reasonably well.”

During his time as England’s prime goalscorer, Shearer was also his country’s best penalty taker.

Twice, in Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup in France, he scored his spot-kick in a shoot-out, only to see his team eliminated.

“I wouldn’t wish penalties on my worst enemy,” he says. “Standing there waiting to take them is as tough as it comes in football.

“You can practise until you are blue in the face, morning, noon and night. You can hit that same spot every single day. But there is nothing that will prepare you for the experience of waiting to take a penalty in a shoot-out at a tournament.

“It’s not so much letting the millions of people at home down, it’s the 20-odd guys behind you you are desperate not to let down. That’s tough.

“I’m fortunate that I never missed one in that type of situation.

“The key is remembering what you have done in Premier League games, and not changing anything. That’s difficult because of everything going on around you.”

It’s not the only reason why Shearer is delighted that Rickie Lambert is in the squad but the Southampton striker’s 100% penalty conversion record is a real bonus.

“You are not taking him specifically for his penalty-taking record but it’s one good reason and we know that could be vital,” he says.

“I’m really pleased Rickie is in the squad. I think it’s a lovely success story when you think of where he’s come from.

“You need someone like him in the squad for the balance.

“I don’t expect him to start but, if we’re struggling and need a goal, he’s already proved he can come up with one.

“Roy can use him as an impact player, and substitutes will have a massive part to play out in Brazil.

“The use of subs has always been crucial but never more so than when the heat is likely to play a big part.”