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Gary Lineker has suggested that England’s prospects at the upcoming World Cup could be boosted by the freshness of several key players who have endured injury-hit seasons, potentially turning a setback into an advantage.

Thomas Tuchel’s England side will begin their campaign to end the nation’s six-decade wait for a major international trophy on 17 June, when they face Croatia in Dallas. The tournament in the United States represents another opportunity for the Three Lions to finally go all the way on the world stage.

The former England striker, who will co-host a daily Netflix show titled The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards during the World Cup, shared his view that the enforced breaks for players like Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham could ultimately work in England’s favour.

“I really like the way Saka has come back into form towards the end of the season,” Lineker said during an event at Netflix’s London office in the West End last month.

“Saka has had his injury issues, but when I look at our squad — especially those who have missed time — I think it might actually help. Normally, our players, particularly those from the Premier League, look a bit exhausted by this stage of the year.”

Lineker highlighted that players such as Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford could enter the tournament with renewed energy. “Many of our top players have had spells out — Saka, Kane has had some rest, and those playing abroad like Bellingham and Rashford too. They’ve recently returned to action and look fit and strong. That could be a real advantage for us,” he explained.

The 63-year-old also addressed the debate surrounding Tuchel’s squad selections, particularly the omission of creative talents Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from the final 26-man roster. Despite the criticism, Lineker voiced his confidence in the England manager’s ability to handle the scrutiny that comes with the job.

“It’s always the same — even once the tournament starts, there will be endless discussions about who should or shouldn’t be in the lineup. That’s just football, everyone has an opinion,” Lineker said, adding that Tuchel “knows he has to be strong; that’s part of the role.”

Reflecting on his own World Cup experience, Lineker recalled England’s memorable run to the semi-finals in 1990 — their best result since winning the tournament on home soil in 1966 — and expressed his hope that this generation can finally end the long wait for glory.

“When it’s your national team, you tend to be more critical, but deep down, all of us just want to see them win it,” he admitted. “It would be incredible. I was only five when we last won, so I have no memory of it. I’d love to see it happen in my lifetime. It’s going to be difficult for many reasons, but it’s not impossible. I genuinely think we’ve got an outside shot.”