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.