England may be cruising through their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but not everyone’s convinced it’s thrilling football. On the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards dissected England’s spotless campaign under Thomas Tuchel – six wins, eighteen goals scored, none conceded – and wondered whether it’s all a little too easy.
Lineker opened, referencing England’s recent massive 5–0 win over Latvia:
England have qualified for the World Cup, and they’ve done it in style. But what can we really read into these games?
Shearer agreed, praising the squad’s professionalism but questioning the lack of genuine competition. He said:.
They can only beat who’s in front of them, sure. But have you really got excited watching these games? Be honest. It’s like playing the FA Cup third round every time England plays.
Micah Richards chimed in with a tactical twist, pointing out how Tuchel’s side are winning the ball back so fast and playing between a high and mid-block. Yet even he admitted that despite England’s energy, the matches feel routine.
The trio’s discussion circled back to whether Tuchel’s men could be truly judged until they face world-class opposition. Lineker noted.
They’re not playing against France or Brazil right now. So why would you get excited or nervous?
Still, there were positives. Anthony Gordon, who scored and dazzled again after his impressive display in England’s 3-0 win against Wales at Wembley, earned praise from Richards as a breakout performer.
Lineker summed it up:
They’re doing everything right, but excitement only comes when there’s jeopardy. Maybe that’s the price of being this good.
One thing’s certain: with England qualifying in flawless fashion, Tuchel has delivered the results. Now, fans and pundits just want a little drama back.
