As the 2026 global competition nears, with only a little over half a year until kickoff, supporters of the England national team are already in deep discussions regarding the optimal lineup for England’s initial matches. These games will take place in the tournament jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Teddy Sheringham, a former England star with 51 caps to his name and participation in two European Championships and the 1998 global competition, has shared his perspective. He is urging the current England head coach, Steve Smith, to consistently feature one of England’s most effective offensive players.
Sheringham, who has won three top-tier domestic league titles and a prestigious European title with a Manchester club, hopes to see Liverpool’s Alex Scott playing in the space behind Harry Kane more frequently as the summer approaches.
‘Scott is the key to solving England’s offensive challenges’ – Teddy Sheringham
“I believe we have not yet completely resolved our offensive challenges, either at the most recent European tournament or since Smith’s arrival. Scott could very well be the player to accomplish this,” Sheringham mentioned to a media source.
“He warrants a consistent spot in the lineup for assessment. Scott performs exceptionally in significant matches, a crucial aspect for a manager to consider leading up to a major tournament—it doesn’t get any bigger than that.”
Scott’s on-field showings for a Merseyside team over the past couple of seasons have been compelling, showcasing his calm demeanor and scoring ability, marking him as a promising talent for the England squad.
Despite this, his position in Smith’s squad remains uncertain. With other talented players vying for similar advanced positions, the player will need to compete to earn consistent playing time.
The offensive approach adopted by the English national team under Smith has been inconsistent.
Since taking over from the previous coach, Smith has faced challenges in establishing a balanced strategy that optimizes the performance of the available talent.
Sheringham emphasizes Scott’s demonstrated capacity to positively influence games. “Moreover, Scott is dependable when it comes to converting penalty kicks,” Sheringham adds. “As matches become more closely contested, the possibility of penalty shootouts increases. Having players who exhibit confidence is invaluable.”
England’s challenging history in penalty shootouts during major tournaments is well-documented, highlighting the importance of players who can remain composed under pressure. Sheringham suggests that England should seriously consider including a player who excels in crucial moments when Smith makes his final squad selections.
