Shearer 'may be interested' in England job in future
Alan Shearer admits he could be interested in a coaching role with England “in the future” – but maintains no formal approach has been made by Steve McClaren, who takes over as manager after the World Cup.
McClaren – in Germany as assistant to Sven-Goran Eriksson – is trying to organise his backroom team ahead of the handover of power on August 1.
The former Middlesbrough manager is believed to have invited one-time England head coach Terry Venables to join him in a senior role, and would also appear to want former captain Shearer, 35, in the dug-out as well.
Shearer’s glittering playing career came to an end prematurely as a result of a knee injury suffered with just three games of the Barclays Premiership season left to play.
While Newcastle’s record goalscorer has been adamant he will now take “time out” of football before considering a future, Shearer has accepted the role of sporting ambassador for the north-east club.
Shearer – who recently completed his UEFA A coaching licence – is working for the BBC as a pundit at the World Cup.
And although he was taken aback by reports this week, the former England captain admits a role within the new national team set-up could appeal to him.
“I had the briefest of calls from Steve McClaren a few weeks ago asking if he could speak to me after the World Cup. Nothing at all was discussed, and I said yes he could ring me – and that is how it was left so I was staggered to wake up to the stories in the newspapers,” Shearer said.
“I have always said I would like a bit of time out.”
Shearer told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme: “Everybody knows I am doing my coaching badges, and in the future it could interest me – but I am quite happy with what I am doing at the moment.”
Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson worked with Shearer during his time at Newcastle, and believes he has the credentials to make a successful transition into a coaching role in the future.
Robson said: “Alan is a strong personality, has leadership qualities and has been in the game a long time. He has been marvellous for the sport and would adapt to anything.”
