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Wednesday, 21 June, 2000, 17:06 GMT 18:06 UK
Keegan tips Shearer as future coach
Alan Shearer has revealed he will not make a U-turn and play for his country again after their Euro 2000 exit - but Kevin Keegan believes he may return as a future England coach.
Shearer is refusing to change his decision to quit international football, but he received a ringing endorsement of his qualities from his former manager at Newcastle United.
He had made it his personal mission to end his England career in glory by leading his country to the championship before leaving the international stage.
But Shearer was left empty handed after England crashed out of the competition following the disappointing 3-2 defeat against Romania in Charleroi.
Shearer confirmed his retirement from international football, then spoke of his "numb feeling" at England's Euro 2000 exit.
But Keegan believes he may return to his country's cause, saying: "I don't think it would be a surprise to anyone if Alan Shearer ends up being where I am - England manager. He has all the qualities.
"It is a long way down the line, but he shares similar dreams to most of us who really care about our country.
"There are many decisions he will have to make along the line. He may decide having tried management that he doesn't like it. There are a lot of things that can change your mind.
"I never knew that I was going to have seven years totally away from football and take up golf. He may decide that as well but he has what it takes for the job.
Shearer admitted: "Football is all that I know and I would like to stay in the game in some capacity but, as regards England, I am now lying when I say I haven't thought about that.
"It's not on my agenda now. What is on the agenda is for me to keep playing as long as I can at the highest level - the Premier League - but I would like to stay in the game."
Shearer insisted that there is no chance of his reconsidering his decision to quit playing for England.
He said: "The reasons why I am finishing have been well stated. I've done it because I want to remain the best and for that I need more time between games because I've had serious injuries.
"I've also done it for family reasons. I want to see more of my family and I think I'm entitled to do that.
"Something has to be sacrificed and obviously it can't be Newcastle United - it has to be England."
"I accept that Romania played well and knocked the ball around skilfully, but until those last awful couple of minutes I still felt that we would qualify.
"However we can look forward to the future with confidence.
"With an exceptional motivator like Kevin Keegan at the top and players like David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Emile Heskey around, it is only a matter of time before England achieve the success that everyone hungers for.
"I have enjoyed every moment of my international career - the pride I have felt just pulling on the white shirt will stay with me forever."
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