Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has hinted that the time might be ripe to come out of international retirement and help England qualify for Euro 2004. The former England skipper, who stood down after Euro 2000, has been in the form of his life recently, getting both Newcastle's goals in last week's Champions League win over Inter Milan and scoring from the penalty spot in yesterday’s FA Premiership 2-0 victory over Charlton. The 32-year-old told Sunday's Observer newspaper: "I would be lying if I said I didn't miss playing for England. I still feel I could do a job for England, in fact I know I could."
That could be just the signal England manager Sven Goran Eriksson was waiting for. After last month's friendly against Australia the Swede left the door open for Shearer when saying that if he ever had a change of heart a return "might be discussed". Shearer's comments could not have been better timed as Eriksson is due to announce his England squad for the upcoming Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Turkey next weekend.
Although ruling out a return to the international fray as recently as last December Shearer has clearly softened that stance although he feels his decision to retire has helped boost his game. "It's difficult because I think I have benefited from my decision to retire,” the told the newspaper. "Something had to give, and I don't miss the criticism that's for sure. But equally I had some great days (with England), and it's not something you throw away lightly."
Filed by James Boylan.
