ENGLAND

EURO 2000: SCOTLAND V ENGLAND

Sir: I am happy to take up Mr Storr's challenge that I should tell him where, in the Institute of Director's scheme of things, concepts like teamwork and leadership by example are to be found (letter, 3 November).

Uefa Cup Second round second leg: NEWCASTLE

Doing well at work? Better watch your back. HESTER LACEY on Tall Poppy Syndrome

Euro 2000: Buoyant England coach confident of reaching play-offs with a flourish against the old enemy

You have to put the ball in the back of the net... I did that and have nobody to answer to. I listen to Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan and as long as I please them I am happy. I don't listen to discredited people and I don't answer to anyone else. There is no confidence crisis - give me the ball and I will put it in the net. I don't need a confidence boost. I need chances. I am part of a Newcastle side that hasn't done well. I have to take part of the blame for that. This sets us up nicely for the trip to Poland. We know what we've got to do. We've been there and won before but that is history. We have to go and do it again. This young man [Kieron Dyer] on his debut put in an exceptional performance in the first half. We've a star of the future.

Adam Szreter talks to the England striker who will wear his jersey with pride under Keegan's guidance

GARY LINEKER

Euro 2000: Shearer first option as former understudy shines and principality enlist surprise principal

ALAN SHEARER is not rated good enough to make Newcastle United's starting line-up but Kevin Keegan gave the England striker his unqualified backing yesterday.

Decision to drop Tyneside idol turns fans against manager whose departure now looks imminent.

Newcastle United 1 Sunderland 2

THE ENGLAND manager, Kevin Keegan, yesterday said he would stand by his highly-criticised captain Alan Shearer - and said he was becoming tired of having to defend him.