Shearer rejected England comeback

NEWCASTLE striker Alan Shearer has revealed that last year he turned down the chance to backtrack on his retirement from international football.

The 33-year-old called time on his England career after Euro 2000 having scored 30 goals in 63 games for his country.

“The opportunity arose around six or seven months ago or so,” said the former national captain. “But I thought about it and the reasons I initially gave (for retiring) still stood.”