Alan Shearer on England’s Euro 2024 ‘X-Factor’ that will have ‘massive impact’ on their chances in Germany

(Image credit: Future)

Alan Shearer watched the FA Cup Final high up in the gantry, co-commentating for the BBC, with numerous England internationals on the pitch below.

But while the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Phil Foden have had the best seasons of their young careers, and are expected to play key roles for their country in Germany, Shearer believes another young Englishman who wasn’t involved in the final game of the English domestic season holds the key to the Three Lions’ success on the pitch this summer.

The Wembley Stadium stage will be Jude Bellingham’s this Saturday evening when Real Madrid aim to lift their 16th European Cup.

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

A former goalkeeper, Ketch joined FourFourTwo as Deputy Editor in 2022 having worked across ChronicleLive, LeedsLive, Hull Daily Mail, YorkshireLive, Teesside Gazette and the Huddersfield Examiner as a Northern Football Editor. Prior to that he was the Senior Writer at BBC Match of the Day magazine. He has interviewed the likes of Harry Kane, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gareth Southgate and attended two World Cup finals and two Champions League finals. He has been a Newcastle United season ticket holder since 2000 and has a deep knowledge on the history and culture of football shirts.