Alan Shearer reveals his ‘logical’ successor to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – and insists the presenter would do a ‘great job’ if chosen by the BBC

Alan Shearer has named his pick as to who should succeed Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day.

It was revealed last month that Lineker would be leaving the long-running football highlights programme 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 depart the broadcaster entirely after presenting the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

In the wake of the news, speculation has run rampant as to who will take over from Lineker as the host of the iconic stalwart of British TV.

Shearer, who has served as an analyst on Match of the Day since 2006, claimed their is a ‘logical’ successor in waiting.

Speaking to Mirror Football, the Premier League record goalscorer insisted Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman could succeed in the role.

Lineker is set to step down as host of the institution of British TV at the end of the season

And Shearer insisted Mark Chapman could do a ‘great job’ if entrusted with the role by the BBC

‘Chappers does Match of the Day 2, so I guess if you’re looking at it logically, then he would have to have a real live chance of coming over to the Saturday, or doing both [shows],’ Shearer explained.

‘I don’t know, though – I haven’t spoken to anyone about it. Whoever it is, they’ve got big shoes to fill obviously, but yeah, the show goes on. 

‘Someone will come in and present it and if it is Chappers then he will do a great job, I’m sure.’

Chapman has been the predominant presenter for the Sunday night show for more than a decade, and has deputised on the main programme on occasion when Lineker has been absent.

The 51-year-old is the odds-on favourite to take the role according to the bookmakers, with the likes of Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Alex Scott also viewed as potential successors to Lineker. 

Shearer will remain one of the recurring analysts following Lineker’s departure, and he paid tribute to his colleague’s work throughout the years.

‘For him to be on such an iconic show for that long and do that well with it speaks volumes for how good he is,’ he added. 

‘He’ll be missed and it will be different obviously because he’s been such an integral part for so long, but the show is huge and will always carry on.

‘I mean that music is so iconic, I watched it as a kid with my parents and I was lucky enough to be on it when I was playing football and now for me to sit and be part of that show for so long [is special].’