BBC Sport

SHEARER RESISTS ENGLAND RETURN

17 March, 2003

Alan Shearer has ruled out a return to the England set-up after seriously considering an international comeback.

The Newcastle captain retired from the international scene after Euro 2000 to concentrate on his club career.

He appeared to pave the way for a surprise return when he said he believed he "could still do a job for England".

But he later retracted his widely reported stance by issuing a statement.

"The widespread coverage of my remarks concerning a possible comeback for England has led me for the first time to seriously consider making myself available again for the England team," Shearer said.

"As part of that process I have spent much of the day discussing that decision with my family, my close friends and football colleagues.

"After much consideration I feel it is only right and fair to make it absolutely clear that I do not wish to be considered for future selection by the England coach.

"My comments following Newcastle United's midweek match were made in good faith and truly reflected my enormous enjoyment of football this season.

"But I honestly believe my remaining football ambitions can be fulfilled at club level with Newcastle United in the Premiership and in the Champions League.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the many people who have made kind and complimentary remarks about my recent form and I would like to wish the England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and the England team the best of luck for the European Championships qualification campaign."

Shearer has returned to his best form this season after shaking off a series of knee injuries and scored his 24th goal of the season against Charlton on Saturday.

And Eriksson has admitted he would have considered picking Shearer if the player made himself available again.

"With the way he plays his football, he could maybe have been in the squad," said Eriksson on Sunday.

"But I can't pick a player who doesn't want to play. And the first thing you need to hear is a player saying he wants to play.

"Congratulations to Shearer for what he's done and what he's doing.

"But it's the future now, with Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006. It can't be Shearer."

He is due to name his squad next weekend for the forthcoming Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Turkey.