Shearer optimistic for Dyer's World Cup hopes

Alan Shearer today gave England’s departing World Cup team a good luck send-off message and offered an optimistic assessment of Newcastle team-mate Kieron Dyer’s chances of making the tournament.

The former England skipper, who retired from the international scene after Euro 2000 and has this season led his club side to a Champions League placing, admitted however it would be ‘‘a big blow’’ if neither Dyer nor Steven Gerrard regained fitness in time.

Dyer is facing a fitness race for the finals in Japan and South Korea after suffering a knee injury against Southampton on Saturday, whilst Liverpool star Gerrard is rated ‘‘unlikely’’ to travel after aggravating a groin problem against Ipswich.

Shearer said: ‘‘I have spoken to Kieron on the telephone in Newcastle this morning and he said his knee is a lot more comfortable so that is a good sign for the World Cup. He says it has settled down so we are more hopeful than yesterday.

‘‘He is an excellent player and he has that little piece of magic that can turn a game and on his day he can be a match-winner in his own right.

‘‘He is such a versatile player and vital for a World Cup squad because he can play in so many different positions he is a world-class player without any doubt. I really hope for his sake that he makes it.

‘‘If Kieron and Gerrard are ruled out they will be a major blow to our World Cup hopes.’’

But he added: ‘‘You’ve got to remember that the World Cup is a squad game not just a team of 11 players trying to win the greatest trophy in the world.

‘‘A World Cup has never been won with just 11 players, all 23 players are important to the team’s performance but it will be a big blow if both of them do not make it.

‘‘I would have thought Mr Eriksson would have had both players pencilled in for his starting line-up against Sweden.’’

The 33-year-old striker was speaking at the Alan Shearer Charity Golf Classic for the UBS Sports and Entertainment Group in aid of the NSPCC’s Full Stop campaign and The Golf Foundation in Surrey.

Shearer, who finished joint second-highest scorer in the Barclaycard Premiership with 23 goals, insisted he had no regrets about not making himself available for selection.

He added: ‘‘I feel that I’ve been vindicated because of my performance for Newcastle United this season.

‘‘I have had three career-threatening injuries and I really believe it was impossible to do both jobs as England captain and at Newcastle at the same time, at least not as well as I would have wanted to.

‘‘It’s the first summer I have had off since I was 20.’’

But Shearer delivered an upbeat message to the team as they flew out to begin preparations in Dubai: ‘‘I really wish them all the luck in the world and I hope they enjoy it.’’