- Alan Shearer has his say on speculation over the next Match of the Day host
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Alan Shearer has chosen who will succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.
Last month it was revealed that Lineker would be leaving the football highlights show at the end of the season after spending more than 25 years in the role.
The 64-year-old former England striker is the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, but will leave the broadcaster entirely after presenting the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
In the wake of the news, speculation has increased over who will replace Lineker as host of the iconic British television stalwart.
Shearer, who has worked as an analyst on Match of the Day since 2006, said there is a “logical” successor in waiting.
talking to mirror footballThe Premier League’s record goalscorer insisted Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman could succeed in the role.
Alan Shearer has named the “logical” choice to succeed Gary Lineker on Match of the Day
Lineker will step down as presenter of the British television institution at the end of the season.
And Shearer insisted Mark Chapman could do a “great job” if the BBC trusted him with the role.
“Chappers does Match of the Day 2, so I guess if you look at it logically, then he would have to have a real live opportunity to come to Saturday, or do both (shows),” Shearer explained.
—I don’t know, I haven’t talked to anyone about it. Whoever it is, they obviously have big shoes to fill, but yeah, the show goes on.
“Someone will come and present it and, if it’s Chappers, they’ll do a great job, I’m sure.”
Chapman has been the dominant host of the Sunday night show for more than a decade and has filled in on the main show on occasions when Lineker has been absent.
The 51-year-old is the favorite to take on the role according to bookies, with the likes of Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Alex Scott also seen as possible successors to Lineker.
Shearer will remain one of the returning analysts following Lineker’s departure and paid tribute to his colleague’s work over the years.
“For him to be on such an iconic show for so long and do it well says a lot about how good he is,” he added.
“He will be missed and obviously it will be different because he has been an integral part for so long, but the show is huge and will always go on.
“I mean, the music is so iconic, I watched it as a kid with my parents and I was lucky enough to be in it when I played football and now to be able to sit back and be a part of that show for so long (it’s special).) ‘