Shearer backs Venables for England

Alan Shearer has turned down the chance to be part of new England manager Steve McClaren’s coaching staff – and gave the strongest suggestion yet that former national team coach Terry Venables is to be McClaren’s number two.

The former Newcastle and England striker was approached by McClaren just prior to the World Cup, but decided against accepting the role on offer because he had already verbally agreed a contract extension with the BBC, for whom he works as a television pundit.