Eusebio praises Shearer

Shearer impresses the Portuguese in 1998

Alan Shearer may be battling to be fit for the start of the European Championships but he will be encouraged by the words of one of football's greatest legends.

Shearer has not scored in six internationals and there is a growing band of critics calling for a change in personnel up front for England, but Eusebio has nothing but praise.

"Alan Shearer is the best centre-forward in Europe," the ex-Benfica player tells the Daily Express.

With the opening game against the Portuguese only days away Eusebio even admits that he hopes the England skipper fails in his fitness battle.

Alan Shearer is the best centre-forward in Europe

Eusebio

"I don't know how bad his injury is but I hope he doesn't play, " he says.

"That would be good for Portugal and bad for England's confidence."

Portugal's Rui Costa also admits that Shearer is an important player for England.

"Without him England's attack would lose something and it would help us," the star midfielder explained.

Costa is keen to play against him though.

"All the best players should play in big tournaments."