Shearer rules out playing again for England

It takes a brave man to retire at the top but an ever braver one, verging on the foolhardy, to attempt a comeback. As even such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali found, the passage of time will eventually leave even the greatest of legends trading more on reputation than reality.

Alan Shearer yesterday decided that he was not prepared to take this risk. Tempted as he was by the prospect of re-igniting England's faltering European Championship qualifying campaign, he is to stand by his decision to retire.

The 32-year-old, who scored his 24th goal of the season at The Valley on Saturday, had awoken to a series of headlines suggesting he wanted to return to the international arena. Equally significantly it was suggested that Sven Goran Eriksson was just as enthusiastic about the prospect.

This followed comments made by Shearer to the Sunday newspapers. He had said: "I would be lying if I said I didn't miss playing for England. I still feel I could do a job for England, in fact I know I could. It's difficult because I think I have benefited from my decision to retire. But I had some great days [with England] and it's not something you throw away lightly. I wish there could have been more. I do feel strange when there's an England match nowadays."

Reading his words carefully it is clear he did not say he wanted to play for England again, just that he missed it and felt he could still "do a job". Both sentiments are understandable but not a declaration of availability.

However, the favourable coverage caused Shearer to wonder if he might rescind his retirement. After talking to Lainya, his wife, Bobby Robson, his manager at Newcastle, Tony Stephens, his agent, and Jack Hixon, the man who discovered Shearer and remains a close confidant, he decided he was right to quit when he did.

"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," he said. "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." Shearer, who has only one one medal, the Premiership with Blackburn in 1995, added: "I honestly believe my remaining football ambitions can be fulfilled at Newcastle United."

Shearer scored 30 goals in 63 international appearances scoring both on his debut, in 1992, and in his final outing, against Romania in the 2000 European Championships. While his achievements were recognised his retirement was not mourned. Increasingly immobile he had come to be seen as symbolic of the stilted, predictable football England played under Kevin Keegan. He was also perceived as possessing a disproportionate dressing room influence.

However, in the last two seasons Shearer has enjoyed a revival. Encouraged to adopt a more positive approach to his game by Robson he again became one of the Premiership's dominant centre-forwards and, on form alone, would warrant inclusion in Eriksson's squad. Add his experience and he would seem an automatic choice.

Of the other contenders to partner Michael Owen neither Emile Heskey nor Alan Smith are as prolific, Robbie Fowler is short of fitness and form and James Beattie, Darius Vassell and Wayne Rooney are international novices. Kevin Phillips, Sheringham and Andy Cole have joined Shearer in international retirement whether they wanted to or not.

However, there would have been caveats. At Newcastle, Shearer plays in a team which has been designed to bring the best from him. Robson has surrounded the veteran with mobile young men whose pace and energy complement his strength and nous. England have no one like Craig Bellamy and are yet to successfully incorporate Kieron Dyer or Jermaine Jenas into the team. Eriksson's midfield is based on David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Stephen Gerrard, a trio blessed with many virtues but not overt pace.

Owen is quick but he and Shearer rarely seemed happy when in tandem for England. Both sought to make the same forward runs and occupy the same target areas. Owen prefers to play alongside Heskey or Smith for the same reason Shearer enjoyed partnering Sheringham and likes Bellamy – they defer to the leading man. In addition, there is the catch 22 situation in that Shearer admits his international retirement has aided his return to form as he has less demands on mind and body.

Would Eriksson have picked him? He said: "I have never ruled Alan Shearer out. If he ever said he was available again he would get serious consideration. I respect him as a quality player." Yet with the exception of David Seaman, the England coach has largely pursued a youthful selection policy. He immediately discarded Paul Ince and Paul Merson, soon dispensed with Steve McManaman and Darren Anderton, has ignored Graeme Le Saux and used Teddy Sheringham and Martin Keown with reluctance.

As it is Shearer will not be under consideration when Eriksson sits down with Tord Grip this week to select the squad to meet Liechenstein and Turkey in the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers. The verdict will be delivered on Sunday and, while Shearer has made the right decision, he will not be the only one feeling a slight pang of remorse when his name is again absent.