No England return for me, insists Shearer

ALAN SHEARER yesterday ruled out the possibility of a return to the England team. The Newcastle striker was reported in weekend newspapers as saying he could still do a job for England.

The 32-year-old Magpies skipper said he missed playing for his country but yesterday said in 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.

"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.

Since retiring from the international scene in the wake of a disappointing exit from Euro 2000, Shearer has shaken off a series of knee injuries and is back to his best form, scoring his 24th goal of the season on Saturday at Charlton.

The victory he and Craig Bellamy inspired means the Magpies are now within five points of Premiership leaders Arsenal, and three behind second-placed Manchester United whom they meet at St James' Park a month from now on a weekend when the Gunners will be either playing an FA Cup semi-final or not playing at all.

The prospect reaching the league summit on that day is a realistic one but first they have to keep morale high for Wednesday's Champions League showdown with Barcelona.

Robson is ready for the European challenge but he also knows he must continue to harness his volatile

Anglo-Welsh front pairing to keep the home fires burning.