Shearer dismisses England return rumours

Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer has moved once and for all to dismiss speculation that he turned down a request from England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson to return to international football.

The 33-year-old found himself at the centre of claims that he had snubbed a plea from the Swede to come to his country’s aid once again last year over the weekend, but insists there was never any contact with Soho Square.

“I have not spoken to Sven, the FA or anyone else about me coming out of international retirement,” he told the Sun. “I made my decision four years ago. Nothing has changed.

“Now I’ve been forced to comment because I feel I might have unintentionally embarrassed Sven, and that is not what I wanted to do.

“I am sick of talking about something I will not change my mind about. I don’t want to talk about this subject again. In fact, I won’t.

“This is my final word – I have retired from international football, full stop.”

Comments made by Shearer in an interview in the Newcastle fanzine The Mag were interpreted in such a way as to suggest that Eriksson had asked him to reconsider his decision to turn his back on international football after Euro 2000 following his blistering form for his club.

However, the former England captain, while flattered, has repeatedly dismissed talk of a return when the subject has been raised.

The FA too moved quickly to play down the reports, insisting that Eriksson fully respects Shearer’s decision and his reasons for taking it.

“Sven has always made clear that he fully respects Alan Shearer’s decision to retire from international football,” said FA spokesman Adrian Bevington.

“He has made this clear in interviews throughout his time in England.

“Additionally, he has stated, as has Tord Grip, that had Alan ever reconsidered his decision, clearly they would have looked towards him figuring in any England squads.

“However, Sven would like to reaffirm his wish to respect Alan’s decision and leave the matter there.”