www.Shearer9.com England's 'complete' player begins restoration By Henry Winter There will be an extra step in England's training today. Bisham Abbey, home to the field where a nation's dreams are being worked on, witnesses the welcome sight of Alan Shearer undergoing a first full workout since his groin operation. Although Les Ferdinand should lead the line against Hungary at Wembley on Saturday, it would rank as a sizeable surprise if Shearer does not start come Euro '96. Blackburn Rovers's much-coveted centre-forward has this week been partaking of Bisham's atmosphere, signing autographs, smiling for the cameras, joining in the lighter sessions, but his desire for proper involvement is palpable. A commitment to football in general, and England in particular, remain enduring emotions within this unassuming, if quietly self-confident son of Tyneside. It is easy to understand why England's premier striker, a player who has scored on every debut, is constantly being linked with England's premier club, Manchester United. Here is a man who cannot stop scoring against native defences, whose power and hunger seem to embody the very best English traits. There is something timeless about Shearer: he would not look out of place on cigarette cards or modern-day stickers. Yet here is also a man who has not scored for England in 20 months, who many feel is unable to cope with the intricacies of international football, who should stand down (aged 25) for a younger gun like Robbie Fowler. Such misguided feelings ignore not only Fowler's hesitant start in England's colours (although his time will undoubtedly come) but also the viewpoints of national coaches. Well-travelled professionals like Terry Venables do not look simply for goals from their man on the front line. The more sophisticated level of international defending, often involving a web of markers and sweepers, reduces opportunities for strikers of whatever calibre. This world-wide predicament transfers much of the goalscoring onus on to colleagues coming from the deep. It is one of Shearer's duties to create space for the likes of David Platt and Paul Gascoigne to exploit. Yet the public clamours for goals. The old tenet that form is temporary, class is permanent should be applied in Shearer's case. It is forgotten how well Shearer has linked with Teddy Sheringham, how much he has missed a crosser of the class of Darren Anderton, now almost restored to full health. The three could be re-united against China next Thursday. Flaws do persist. He needs to work out how to trick his marker while taking into account a sweeper's proximity. When Blackburn met Ipswich Town in the Cup last year, wily old John Wark, playing at sweeper, negated Shearer with worrying ease. For all his few shortcomings, which can be countered by extra work and thought, Shearer remains England's most complete striker, possessing fast feet, a head for heights and a willingness to sacrifice individual ambition to the collective. Whether he begins Euro '96 as a Blackburn employee is the subject of renewed speculation, although all involved have issued "it's nonsense" comments. The thought of Blackburn selling their most prized asset to United, of all people, seems inconceivable, although tales of the unexpected are legion in football.
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