Alan Shearer misses obvious Liverpool man as next England captain after Bukayo Saka claim

Alan Shearer has tipped Bukayo Saka as a potential England captain further down the line.

Former Three Lions leader Shearer believes that the Arsenal talent carries all the hallmarks of a future national team skipper. At age 23, Saka has already wowed with his performances for the Gunners this season and boasts an impressive 42 international caps, earning the respect of England's blossoming talents.

Speaking to BetFair , Shearer said: "It wouldn't surprise me to see Saka as a future England captain. He's already captained Arsenal and because of his attitude, ability, and the way everyone looks up to him, that to me shows he has all the attributes to be an England captain.

"When your team needs you the most to pull something out the bag, Saka can and does do that. I am 100% certain Saka could be a future England captain."

With experience in major international tournaments including a World Cup and two European Championships, Saka is rapidly climbing the ranks as one of the top-flight's standout stars. Shearer also commends his perfect temperament, observing Saka's resilience in front of aggressive defensive tactics and provocations from opponents.

Shearer further admires Saka's psychological fortitude, especially showcased when he faced severe backlash after his penalty miss in the Euros final in 2021. Adding to his praise, Shearer commented: "He gets whacked every single game, people try double up on him, kick him and he just goes out and performs with such consistency.

"He's an incredible talent, has a great personality and he's just impossible not to like. His attitude is second to none; think of the way he has responded to what happened to him with England in 2021, and the way he's moved on from it.

"He's just a phenomenal talent, and he's so gutsy and tough as well. I've been there where everyone is trying to mark you out of the game and it's tough. You can bet your bottom dollar that he's the talk of the opposition dressing room before games.

"Many have tried but not many have stopped him. He's just incredible, almost impossible to stop, and such a wonderful talent."

Harry Kane remains England's skipper but will be 33 after the next World Cup. Shearer opted to overlook the likes of Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is Liverpool's vice-captain.

The Reds man has shown his leadership qualities in recent years and with Virgil van Dijk also getting on in years, would appear destined to be the next Anfield captain. That will ultimately come down to the decision on his future.

Alexander-Arnold, like Van Dijk, is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to talk to foreign clubs as early as January, with Real Madrid remaining keen on the 26-year-old.