Should Shearer be in the England team?

Alan Shearer may face worries over fitness and form - but does he still have what it takes to be England's first choice striker?

Euro 2000 is the England swansong for Newcastle's star forward, who retires from the international game at the end of the tournament.

Shearer was a huge success in Euro 96, getting the golden boot.

The Geordie striker has become manager Kevin Keegan's natural choice up front with Michael Owen, scoring 28 goals in 60 appearances.

However, critics say that Shearer's time may be over.

With talents like Kevin Phillips, Robbie Fowler and Emile Heskey waiting in the wings, many want Shearer to move aside and let someone else take the mantle.

This is not the first time Shearer's ability has been questioned recently. Last season, he was dropped by Ruud Gullit at Newcastle - and even when he was re-instated under Bobby Robson, the England star struggled to find his prime form.

He proved the critics wrong in 1996, can he do it again in 2000? Tell us what you think.

Should Shearer be in the England starting XI?

When you give Shearer the service he will score for you. When you don't, he works hard for you all game. Shearer will hold the ball up under physical challenges all day and usually makes use of the ball, the same cannot be said of Owen for example, on either score. England will not appreciate what they've lost until Shearer retires.
Andrew, Wales

Alan Shearer scored a winning goal against Germany. Over the last 34 years how many others have done the same?
Chris Clark, UK

Shearer is a superb leader and this has a positive effect on the rest of the team when he is playing.
J Shanks, England

Shearer is nowhere near the player he was. England have Phillips and Fowler, proven goalscorers but when Shearer is having a bad game Owen goes off and Heskey, who cannot stay on his feet comes on. All players deserve a chance to prove themselves so come on Keegan show some loyalty and belief in the rest of your striking force. Too long it has been Shearer and ten others ...
Chris Briffett, England

England 1 - Germany 0 and Shearer scored - figure that one out!

Louise, England

Alan Shearer was a good player - in fact probably as good as any England striker. However, he has never been the same player since his knee injury - and the fact he is retiring from the England set up shows that he knows this too. He shouldn't even be in the starting eleven - especially as we have some talented strikers both in and out of the Euro 2000 squad.
Wayne Mullins, England

Can anybody really doubt the importance of Shearer to England. Fantastic goal, taken with all the calm that you expect from a world class striker.
Luke Booth, England

Shearer rules. He's ace in the air and scores crackers.
Tom Leaper, England

Shearer provides the strength to the English side and has got that true Three Lions quality. We all have the odd bad game. Fresh young blood is all well and good but to be honest they don't know when to be bold and when to be safe, we need experience. We also need a person who doesn't play on the ball, but plays their position. This is what Shearer does.
Michelle Adlington, England

Alan Shearer is the mainstay of the England side because of his workrate, his commitment and because of his ability in the air. Emile Heskey and Kevin Phillips

There should be no room for sentiment in international football

Brijan Patel, England

are new to the international stage, whereas Shearer is a proven matchwinner - so why do people keep on about Heskey, a player who spends more time on the floor than on the ball. Shearer is the best we have and Kevin is right to start him - he should be number one on the team sheet.
Adam, England

For Alan Shearer to be retiring after this tournament, he must have doubts about his own ability. If we were to pick an England team based on current form rather than past reputation, we would have a team feared all over Europe. Andy Cole has been constantly denied a decent chance in the England team as has Kevin Phillips. Kept out of the team by the manager's misplaced faith in his "favourites." Are England fans really surprised when we get knocked out time after time? Let's stop living in the past and start picking the team of the future with youth, pace and enthusiasm ... the three main factors lacking from Shearer's game.
Stevo, England

There should be no room for sentiment in professional football, especially at international level. France dropped Cantona and Ginola, Brazil didn't pick Ronaldo for '94 and look at the success they achieved.
Brijan Patel, England

He can hold the ball up like no other, we need his experience and knowledge - don't look upon him as just a striker, watch his game off the ball as well - he works very hard, and pops up when you least expect him - he's a winner.
Ian Nichols, England

Sure, Shearer should be in the team if he can keep his elbows down, regain his former pace, stop whinging at every decision that doesn't go his way, be a little less selfish and show some leadership qualities.
Tim Withey, England

I think that Shearer should be dropped. I think he is over-rated by everyone. Phillips and Owen would be better up front for England.
Gareth, Wales

Shearer's record has been a good one, in past and present, and even though I rate him quite highly he should not be playing in the team. I think youth should take over in the form of Owen and also give Kevin Phillips more of a look in, with Shearer as a replacement.
Will, England

Alan Shearer is living off his past goals/game ratio. For some time now he has been

For some time now he has been below average for England and it is becoming more and more frustrating to watch.

Tony Laird, England

below average for England and it is becoming more and more frustrating watching Kevin Keegan stand by a player who only he believes in. Polls have shown who the nation want but still we have to watch Shearer miss chance after chance. Shearer can only play along side taller players than himself and this is a proven fact. At Blackburn he scored lots of goals along side Sutton and Newell, and at Newcastle he plays with Ferguson. It is time for him to let better, faster, more skilful players come through.
Tony Laird, England

Shearer is fine playing in front of the Toon army, and against average defences. However, the truth is he has lost his pace. I would rather have seen Owen and Cole play up front. Under the circumstances lets have Owen and Phillips start.
Alan Scotford, USA

The truth is he has lost his pace

Alan Scotford, USA

Andy Cole was dropped from the squad for having an injury. It should be no different for Shearer. Perhaps he should play Shearer just to let him injure himself further so there can be no discussions for future matches.
Dave, England

I think he should be given a fair chance to prove himself again on the pitch like he always does. People should not underestimate his class as a forward. He has great potential just waiting for the big games so please just shut up and give him the benefit of the doubt!!
Kolsuma Begum, England

I hope that all this bad mouthing of Shearer spurs him on into proving his critics wrong. The same thing happened to Gazza in 96 and I hope that Shearer can do the same as him and prove the doubters wrong. Kevin Keegan is the England manager and it is his decision who plays, I am sure that he will make any necessary adjustments.
Olie, England

People should stop moaning and give the boys all the support we can

Scott, UK

I remember in the not too distant past that a certain Mr Keegan was 'The People's Choice' and the whole country loved him. Now in true English fashion we have to bring into question his selection of Alan Shearer just before the start of a major tournament which we have a realistic chance of winning. So let the post mortems be conducted after the tournament, people should stop moaning and give the boys all the support we can instead of rubbishing our own captain. Come On England!
Scott, UK

Strong sense of deja-vu here - wasn't this the main topic of discussion before Euro 96 as well? If Shearer doesn't perform well against Portugal, then maybe it will be time to question his place. But until then, leave the man alone to do what he does best - stoking up doubts before major tournaments and then blowing them out of the water is not what the national team need.
Carole, England

If Shearer doesn't perform well against Portugal, then maybe it will be time to question his place

Carole, England

I don't think Shearer is all he is made out to be. He doesn't work as hard as Owen or Phillips, and I really feel England would do as well or better without him. He is not as good as the Media says he is.
Richard, UK

Alan Shearer seems to lack the determination to win, I think the squad would be better served by two energetic strikers who are young such as Michael Owen and Kevin Phillips, who seem really fired up and ready to win for our country.
Ashley Brown, England

It seems to me that each striker in the Euro 2000 squad has problems working with Alan Shearer. Has Kevin Keegan considered not including him at all, and finding a better partnership? It's all about pace up front at this level, and Phillips and Owen would be a formidable partnership. Shearer should not be in the side.
James, Leeds

It's all about pace up front at this level, and Phillips and Owen would be a formidable partnership

James, Leeds

I think that Shearer's critics are forgetting the number of goals he has scored for Newcastle this season. He is still one of the best strikers in the Premiership, and this should be reflected by him being included in the England line-up.
Simon, UK

I feel that Shearer should start the game as he along with Owen and Scholes as they are the most likely to score. However if he does not perform after about an hour I think Heskey should come on as he could have a good partnership with Owen and then if that works, the Heskey and Owen partnership could start the next game.
Michael Simmons, England

However if he does not perform after about an hour I think Heskey should come on

Michael Simmons, England

Shearer is invaluable to the side. Not only does he boast a superb games to goals ratio, he will almost certainly win half a dozen free kicks and corners from which we are dangerous. None of our other forwards have this physical presence and experience at international level.
Gareth Dace, England

If Alan Shearer did have a injury problem before the friendlies then Keegan and Shearer are jeopardising England's chances. I have a feeling that Shearer is being played due to his past reputation, and to risk playing with a possible knee injury could prove disastrous.
Stephen Crickley, England

I think the only thing that keeps Alan Shearer playing for England is pride and his past image. I don't think Kevin Keegan has the guts to drop him because he knows how much stick he will get from the press. It's the same situation as David Seaman, both Seaman and Shearer have both been great in the past, but now they are to old and are not as sharp and agile as they were in the past. Isn't it time to give young and talented players a chance?
Geo Kitchen, ENGLAND

For me, England's best partnership would be Fowler and Owen. Shearer is still a good finisher but lacks the pace, skill and mobility that are pre-requisites for the modern international forward. Whilst he will continue to score freely at club level, Shearer no longer has the fear of most international defenders.
Matt Birch, UK

Whilst he will continue to score freely at club level, Shearer no longer has the fear of most international defenders

Matt Birch, UK

Shearer is no different to any other player in that he should only be selected if his form and fitness warrant selection over those other players in competition for his place. No one should have the divine right to selection.
Dave Skelly, England

Shearer can still be in the line up, but he must learn what being the captain requires. Self-sacrifice. He must let Owen lead the line, and he must be Owen's Sheringham if you will - as he did fleetingly against Brazil.

Having him in the team is an asset. Give him the ball and he'll show you why he's still number one

William, England

Otherwise I see him as being a liability to England because in my estimation he is a lousy captain whose head drops when things don't go well for him personally. He no longer has the pace to lead the line, but he can still win you the ball, retain possession and do the necessary "dog work" of chasing after the ball in the final third. If Shearer realises that this is his reality as far as his role is now, swallows his pride and finally acts like a proper captain then I can see England moving towards the necessary cohesion required for them to do well in Euro 2000.
William, England

When I hear the name Shearer a lot of things come to mind. He's hardworking, he helps out in defence when needed and he's a natural goal scorer. He is no Ronaldo, going through 3 or 4 defenders, but he still scores goals. Having him in the team is an asset. Give him the ball and he'll show you why he's still number one.
Umran Shah, Kashmir

He is no Ronaldo, but he still scores

Umran Shah, Kashmir

Alan Shearer should be given a chance to prove himself. however if he fails to deliver after the second game against Germany then it maybe time for him to be left out.
Lewis, England

Alan Shearer is the best striker England have got, and his 35 goals in the Premiership this season show that and 32 goals in 57 internationals also show that, and remember that he didn't score for 6 internationals before Euro '96' and he came back and scored a bag full in Euro '96' and everyone worshiped then and he hasn't scored in 5 recent internationals and so he will score another bag full in Euro '00' because he is always up for a tournament especially since this is last one in England colours and as captain. He should definitely not be dropped because he has a physical presence on the pitch that scares defenders.
David Parry, Manchester - England

Shearer will prove his doubters wrong once again, just wait and see
paddy boy, England

Alan Shearer will rise to the occasion again and sink the opposition on route to sinking the oppositions ambitions again!

Name Here

I can remember watching Alan Shearer's first game at the Dell in the late eighties. He was not even printed on the programme as a starter and yet produced a wonderful performance to score a hat-trick against Arsenal and sink the Gunners ambitions that Saturday afternoon. In the next few weeks. Alan Shearer will rise to the occasion again and sink the opposition on route to sinking the oppositions ambitions again!
David Hinsley, England

Alan Shearer will rise to the occasion again and sink the opposition on route to sinking the oppositions ambitions again!

David Hinsley, England

I think that Shearer, due to his playing style, has worn himself down in the past few years. Kevin Keegan may still have faith that he is the natural choice up front for England, but with all the young and talented strikers on the bench such as Heskey, Fowler and Phillips, they're not doing England any good. it is time for those guys to play. They're no good on the bench. Not to mention the fact that those strikers on the bench are key for World Cup qualifying. Kevin Keegan should be playing them. Shearer's time has passed.
Darren King, USA (via England)

How can there possibly be any question? Shearer is the most likely to score in the England squad, and always does a huge amount of work for the team. When you look at the international records of the other strikers, it is ludicrous to even suggest one of them should get the nod ahead of Shearer.
Chris Moorcroft, England

If he's fit, then there's no shadow of a doubt that he should play for England. If England's in a sticky position and you have Shearer on the pitch, you know that if he gets half a chance to score you can be sure that he'll bury it. He's not just an out-and-out striker though, but he works hard for the team because the team always come first for him. He represents everything a player wearing an England shirt fights for.
Shiv, England

He represents everything a player wearing an England shirt fights for

Shiv, England

I think Shearer is our only chance in Euro 2000. he has the most experience in this type of competitions and he is probably going to score the most goals for England. Even if he doesn't score many he will set up Owen a lot .He hasn't even had a chance to prove himself yet.
Sean, England

Begrudgingly, I say "Yes, Shearer should play." To drop him now would be too detrimental to the team's psyche, upsetting what little consistency we have established. The fundamental problem stems from Keegan's decision to make a Shearer captain. By doing so, he has made the man sacrosanct and untouchable. How can you drop your captain? This belies the fact that despite Shearer's industry, there is a man in the squad who can do everything Shearer does, yet faster, and that is Emile Heskey.
Andrew Plender, England

Of course Shearer should be selected to play, he is our only proven striker at international level with a fantastic record. The news hacks attack Shearer and the England team simply because it is easier to write a negative story - complaining is easy, how about some positive opinion for a change and some support for our team ?
C Howes, UK

The news hacks attack Shearer and the England team simply because it is easier to write a negative story

C Howes, UK

Shearer is the best thing for England in a long time! He is consistent, strong, and a great skipper. There is no question about his position he is the best striker in the team. However I think that Cole should have been over as he is also excellent and also has a good scoring record!!!
Andrew McAlonan, N. Ireland

Shearer should be at Euro 2000 because of he is a proven goalscorer at every level. What I disagree with is Keegan will choose Shearer come what may. If Shearer is out of form then you let one of the other very talented strikers play. This is common practise with other teams so why is different just because its Alan Shearer?
Ricky Odell, ENGLAND

Which England team have all the people supporting Shearer been watching? No-one else could perform consistently poorly and expect to retain his place in the team. His past record should not be the basis to continue picking him regardless of current form.
Rob, UK

His past record should not be the basis to continue picking him regardless of current form

Rob, UK

I think Shearer should start all of England's games because he is quitting after Euro 2000 anyway so he has to be given a last chance. And plus he proved the critics wrong in Euro 96 by winning the golden boot award. Also England do not have many proven goalscorers in their ranks at the moment apart from maybe Michael Owen. Robbie Fowler is not even fit. Kevin Phillips looked rusty against a side like Malta and he missed a sitter.
Rah Ramming, England

Of course Shearer should be in the starting XI. He's the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. Who cares about the warm up matches. I didn't see Phillips, Owen, or Heskey performing well either. Shearer may be slower than before, but he still has got his killer kick. Anyhow, he doesn't have to answer to anyone, another 30 goals last season takes his tally to a sweet 300.
Fouad Jan, Arabia

Alan Shearer should not be in England's first team. He has no dribbling skills that can break open a defence. He does not play with confidence and resorts to just passing the ball around without taking on defenders. Owen and Phillips should start.
Danny Eber, Malaysia

He does not play with confidence and resorts to just passing the ball around without taking on defenders

Danny Eber, Malaysia

I am amazed that people are still stirring things up by questioning Shearer's ability to perform. England is steeped with talent this year, with a lot of young, up and coming players deserving of a chance. Let's be realistic though, regardless of his critics, Shearer has proven he can score goals when it counts, and if past performance has anything to do with it, he will again perform in Euro 2000. Shearer means victory.
Kathleen, Canada

People are dismissing England daily for this competition and I think that is very dangerous. Shearer is retiring and there is nothing he will want more than to be top scorer in this competition The last time I witnessed an England squad who wanted to win this much was just before they played Holland in Euro '96, many of the pundits didn't fancy them either. I really hope KK goes out there and attacks like a rotweiler in a butcher's shop. I would build my team around the distribution capabilities from midfield, Nick Barmby is giving KK the quality distribution from the left that he has longed for.
Mark Johnson, UK

Shearer's wealth of talent and experience makes him an important player for England, but his performance of late has left a lot to be desired. I don't support the view that Shearer should be an automatic choice, especially when we have excellent alternatives in Owen, Phillips and Heskey. England need to go out there and score. It would be really difficult for any England supporter to bear the trauma of another shoot-out heart-break!
Arif Baig, USA

Shearer's wealth of talent and experience makes him an important player for England

Arif Baig, USA

I think England should drop Alan Shearer because he hasn't scored a goal for England in ages. When he was playing against Brazil I couldn't even notice him on the field. He has to start coming forward more and make his presence felt in the 10 yard box and start getting himself more in the football games if England are going to win Euro 2000.
Craig Mason, England

Alan Shearer should play. It seems as if the media is blowing this a bit out of proportion. England will do extremely well in Euro 2000, lets get behind them and be more positive.
Chris, Canada

Shearer is the best English striker this country has produced in the 1990s. As a season ticket holder at Blackburn Rovers, I can speak from experience when I say Shearer is still on top form and will produce the goods at Euro 2000. If he's not scoring goals, he's making them! There is still more to come from this man.
Kevin Swift, Isle of Man

If he's not scoring goals, he's making them

Kevin Swift, Isle of Man

Shearer should not be let onto the pitch. Everyone knows it, even Kevin Keegan. Sadly there's no way the manager will drop him while this love affair goes on as then it becomes a reflection of why did he pay fifteen million pounds for him when he joined Newcastle. To make things worse Keegan then made him the England captain and builds the entire team around the man - with this set up we have no chance of winning. In answer to those who say, "look at all the running off the ball he does" and what a "workhorse" they should follow there own advice - I've watched the last five England games about four times each and really looked at what Shearer does - the answer is takes the place of someone who can kick a ball. There was a time, at the beginning of the year, when it looked like he would retire on his own but then - sadly for England - he scored 3 goal hanging type goals against Luxembourg. That for me was the end of England's Euro 2000 championship.
Nick, Dubai, UAE

Shearer is the best forward this country has had since Gary Lineker. Even Craig Brown said any international manager would love to have him is their team. I predict Alan Shearer will get golden boot and England will get to the semi-finals. France will win it.
Jamie Clark, England

How come Keegan can make a place in the England squad for Alan Shearer who was carrying a known injury before the final squad was selected? Shearer's knee injury is potentially more of a risk than Andy Cole's alleged 'sore toe', yet Cole was left behind. Shearer has far too much say in team and squad selection. He and several other members of the 'dentist's chair' clique in the England set up should be put out to grass immediately after Euro 2000.
Jim Crothers, England

Of course Shearer should play. As far as I'm concerned, there is no question about it. He was the second top scorer in the Premiership this season at a club whose performances were very average indeed. He looked very sharp against both Brazil and Ukraine, threatening with not only his presence in the box, but also by providing telling knock-ons and through balls to supply his partners. I admit, he didn't have a great game against Malta, but who did. "Super" Kevin Phillips missed a sitter, Beckham produced extremely average crosses and service in general was poor from the midfield. Yet you don't hear cries for Beckham to be dropped. If Shearer is fit, he should play. In truth, the whole topic is academic really, as there is little doubt that if fit, Keegan will play him.
David Bage, England

Eight years ago Gary Lineker played his last game for England and Shearer has replaced him superbly since. He has had a great season and deserves his place. Remember before Euro 96 he had not scored for 11 international games!
Matt Howard, England

Move over Shearer its time for the likes of Owen, Fowler and Heskey to play. We need competition for places to give us that extra winning edge, so saying Shearer's going to be in the team reduces the competitiveness for striker places.
Liz, England

Shearer has had his place in the team laid in concrete now for so long that, having reached a major tournament, Keegan doesn't have much alternative but to play him. Fowler and Owen would be the ideal pairing, especially since they play together at club level. Fowler is less selfish than Shearer and a better finisher, but right now no one has the experience of Shearer because of Hoddle and Keegan's single-minded determination to play him.
Will, UK

It's time to drop this most English of habits, namely picking certain players on past form and not present. Take a chance for once and pick somebody that other teams would worry about. Jimmy Greaves poses a more dangerous threat these days!
Dominic, Holland

Gary, England

If he's fit, definitely. Nobody in an England shirt works harder, especially when things aren't working well. For those of you who are unconvinced, the next time you see him play just count the number of times you see Alan Shearer go looking for the ball, when he doesn't get service. He gives England another dimension but is rarely fully appreciated.
Trev, UK

Nobody in an England shirt works harder

Trev, UK

Shearer hasn't had a great game against one of the world's top teams for a long time. We can't take the risk in playing him - Fowler, Owen and Phillips are all good enough and 'up for it. We can forget about Heskey.
David Winson, England

Lets face it, if a player does not perform then he doesn't get to be in the starting line up. Just like every other player, Shearer must prove himself again before he gets to play. I do feel that he has still got the talent and skills though. The experience that he brings is priceless to England. Watch him prove it.
Ronnie. B., Mombasa/Miami

Not only is Alan Shearer is a brilliant forward but he is a good captain with experience and leadership qualities that are needed to keep the team working together - and he is the best man for the job. I hope that Shearer shows the critics exactly why he has been picked to wear the captain's armband again.
Caroline Doxford, England

Just like every other player, Shearer must prove himself again before he gets to play

Ronnie.B., Mombasa/Miami

Of course he should be in the starting XI! He is one of England's finest strikers and don't forget that he has scored more goals than Phillips this season (if you include FA Cup goals). I'm sure Shearer will prove the critics wrong and score against Portugal, Germany or Romania. He deserves to be in the starting XI.
Alan, Switzerland

Sorry to say, but Alan Shearer should not be in the starting 11 for this championship. What is missing is that yard of pace he had in '96. He did well in the Premiership this year but how many of those goals were away from St James Park - very few. In the friendlies he looked like he could have played all week without even getting a good effort on target. England will miss Andy Cole.
Paul Burkitt, Switzerland

If Shearer's injury remains then Keegan shouldn't risk him in the team against Portugal. However, Shearer remains an experienced and important striker for England who is much needed. People doubt his ability but he is hardly past it at 29! Remember this; Kevin Keegan was over 30 years old when he bowed out of international duties for England in the early 80s and Gary Lineker was about 30 when he won the golden boot during the 1990 World Cup. Shearer has had a fantastic season at Newcastle and although he has looked a little rusty for England in recent friendlies, he is sure to deliver the goods once the tournament begins. If Shearer does miss the Portugal match, let's hope that that he is fit for the rest of England's campaign.
Mike, England

Of course he should be in the starting XI. He is one of England's finest strikers

Alan, Switzerland

Shearer must step aside as he is far too slow. He has served the country well but must be replaced if we are going to have a chance, Judgement time will be next week when Keegan will be the focus point anyway. For now lets get behind the boys!
Rob Wakefield, Brit living in USA

As a supporter of England in Euro 2000, I don't think England can go far even with a fully-fit Shearer. I still find it difficult to accept that he won the golden boot in Euro '96, judging by his skills in running pass defenders. But I have to say that his shots are really powerful. For Euro 2000, I think Michael Owen should be the automatic choice as he has proven be one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. Too bad Andy Cole is not in the squad. Although he misses a lot he's very good at getting opportunities, hence the chances of him scoring is high. All the best to England without Shearer!
Jih Ying Tioh, Malaysia

Alan Shearer is severely lacking in pace and guile. In every game I've seen him at international level since 1996 he has never really been threatening and rarely puts in a performance that rates above average. That is simply not good enough for him to be in the team, let alone an automatic selection.
Tom, England

I don't think Alan Shearer should be in the England team because he doesn't have the ability to run around the pitch any more and is too lazy. I also think he is too selfish and that it's time that strikers such as Bridges or Cole are given the chance.
Sam Mallinson, England

He seems too immersed in his own game to contribute as a captain should.

Name Here

Alan Shearer should not be picked for England any more as he is rapidly losing pace and killer instinct. Michael Owen should be the first choice striker and Heskey and Phillips along with Fowler and Cole should be fighting for the second starting place up front. Shearer is slow and cannot go past players. Keegan should have the guts to drop Shearer because with him we won't win anything.
Matt, England

I don't believe Shearer should be selected for Euro 2000 as I don't think he has the pace. Owen is seen as a selfish player because he doesn't pass the ball inside the area but Shearer is normally too far back for him to pass to. I think it should be Phillips and Owen and Heskey if Owen is not fit.
Em, England

No, his only asset to the team is acting as a target to lump the ball up to where he hurls himself at the nearest defender feigning a foul. He is far too static for international football and too often seems immersed in his own game to contribute as a captain should.
Alex, UK

No other player works as hard as Alan

Chris Jordan, UK

He is England's second best striker - Michael Owen being the first - and a good all-round player. He has been performing poorly lately but so have the rest of England's so-called strikers. The Malta match instantly springs to mind.
Duncan, UK

Alan Shearer is the most important member of the England squad. No other player works as hard as Alan. Others may be able to score goals but they don't do the other things like tracking back and winning the ball. If we look back at the recent matches, he might not have scored but he had a hand in the goals.
Chris Jordan, UK

Alan Shearer for England? Look at the alternative. Emile Heskey, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler; scorers of precisely no goals in Liverpool's last five games. Kevin Phillips and Sunderland slumped in the new year with Niall Quinn injured. Of course Alan Shearer must play if fit.
Andrew Webster, England

His performances against Brazil, Ukraine and Malta have been very average

Paras Shah, Kenya

Alan Shearer should still be an automatic choice. He may have lost a bit of pace, but he is still an outstanding goalscorer.
Vince Ball, England

Shearer is England's best finisher. His record speaks for itself.
Kevin, Ireland

I don't think Shearer should start for England at Euro 2000. How long ago was it since he scored a goal for England? His performances against Brazil, Ukraine and Malta have been very average, look at the clear cut chances he's missed! I feel Owen has proved himself enough and Phillips should be given another chance after failing to score against Malta.
Paras Shah, Kenya