Former England skipper Alan Shearer has ruled out a return to the international arena. The Newcastle striker opted to concentrate on club football after Euro 2000 but his form in the Premiership this season has led to calls for a change of heart in time for this summer's World Cup.
However, Shearer told the Daily Mail: "Nothing has changed. I gave my reasons two years ago and it was to allow me to prolong my club career. Now I'm benefiting from not playing international football. The games and training are not so much of a burden."
"I haven't been approached by England, but I'm speaking out to stop it all. As far as I'm aware, Sven hasn't said anything and I certainly haven't, but it has to stop. The media have brought it up because things have gone reasonably well for me this season and I think it's right to speak up."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
