www.Shearer9.com Shearer drops back into defence By Oliver Holt Alan Shearer took his turn on the soapbox at England's Bisham Abbey training camp yesterday and put in a performance that was a microcosm of his international career. So resolute was he in his defence, so determined to play the team game, that there was no chance to go on the attack let alone convert any scoring opportunities. In a rare moment of revelation, he admitted that success in the European championship, which begins with England's game against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow, could salvage his reputation as an international striker. "This is where everybody will be judged," he said. "Hopefully, this tournament will prove I can do it for my country as well as my club." Shearer, who has recovered from an operation for a hernia-type injury, has not scored for England since his brace against the USA at Wembley in September 1994. Fifteen games have passed without him finding the net, but he is still almost certain to start tomorrow as his country's first choice centre forward with a record of five goals in 23 games. He has, understandably, grown tired of the constant inquiries about the reasons for his inability to convert his prolific form at Blackburn Rovers into goals in international matches and yesterday he was at his non-committal best, constantly eschewing the invitations to self-promotion that were thrown in his path. Someone asked if he saw himself as a good bet for the competition's top goalscorer. "You tell me," Shearer said. When somebody else tried to get an illicit hint of Terry Venables' team selection by suggesting Shearer must be relieved to have been confirmed as the first-choice striker, he got another dead bat. "Am I?" Shearer said. "You don't know the side yet, so you don't know. I'm a bit cleverer than that." The man who is universally regarded as Britain's best striker was also almost indecently ready to embrace the prospect of going through the whole tournament without scoring. He would not mind, he said, as long as somebody got the goals and England won. Only in rare flashes did he give any insight into the challenge that awaits him. "It will be a test of character," he said. "At international level, it is a more patient game. You have to be ready for the chance when it comes. I love chances. I live for them." In other parts of the camp, the mood was more upbeat. Venables was pleased that Gary Neville, the Manchester United defender, who had missed three days of training, played a full part and looks set to take his place against the Swiss. Tony Adams has recovered from a calf strain, too, although, Les Ferdinand is still struggling with a groin problem. Source: The Times June 7 1996 |