BBC Sport

SHEARER DROPS ENGLAND HINT

Sunday, 16 March

Alan Shearer could be set for a shock return to international football with England.

The Newcastle captain, who retired from playing for his country after Euro 2000, has been in superb form for his club and admits he misses playing for his country.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss playing for England," he said. "I still feel I could do a job for England, in fact I know I could.

"It is difficult because I think I have benefited from my decision to retire. Something had to give but I had some great days with England and I wish there could have been more but that's life."

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is due to name his England squad next weekend for Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein on Saturday week and Turkey the following Wednesday.

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HAVE YOUR SAY
England need him. I know we could do without him playing too many games but a Euro 2004 without England is unthinkable
From Paul, England

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The Swede, who watched as Shearer scored twice against Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday, may now try to persuade the 32-year-old to return for the two games.

"If he ever said he would be available for England again then he's the type of player I would consider seriously," Eriksson said.

"He's scoring a lot of goals in the Premiership and the Champions League which is obviously what you want in an international.

"I respect Alan Shearer - he's a quality international player, but of course he made the decision to finish with England and concentrate on playing for Newcastle."

Although Shearer says he has met Eriksson on a number of occasions, he has never spoken to the Swede about coming back.

"I haven't been convinced yet," Shearer added. "But then I haven't been asked the question. I've never spoken to Sven about it."