Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes Newcastle striker Alan Shearer should come out of retirement and travel with England to this summer's World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea. Shearer ended his international career after Euro 2000 but Hoddle, who now manages Spurs, says the striker's availability would be a huge boost to the national side.
"England need Alan Shearer. If it were still down to me to make such decisions, I would move heaven and earth to persuade him to play in this World Cup. Maybe he is only waiting to be asked. I genuinely do not know what his answer would be - but I do know that he has had a great Premiership season," Hoddle told The Mail On Sunday.
"Show me a player better equipped to hold up the ball and provide a thoroughly accomplished target for the precise passing of Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Paul Scholes," said Hoddle, before adding that a partnership between Shearer and Michael Owen would strike gold for England. "It would be a different kind of partnership now from the one forged when I was England coach. Different, but potentially even more effective.
"I fancy that these two players, four years on in their respective careers, would complement each other perfectly. And as an international goalscorer and seasoned tournament player, Shearer is a must to have in your side."
Shearer became the first player to score 200 Premiership goals yesterday when he scored Newcastle's final goal in their 3-0 win over Charlton.
Filed by Tom Grealis
