Shearer: I'll play for England again

Newcastle's talisman celebrates 200th game by scoring and sending a message to Eriksson which could lead to his international return

Alan Shearer yesterday paved the way for his return to the international fold. Two-and-a-half years after he last played for his country, the Newcastle United striker has revealed that he "misses England" and "wants more".

The former England captain revealed: "It's just because I've had so many great nights with England that you don't throw it away lightly and you don't forget about it. I wish I could have more."

The national manager appeared to welcome the news last night. "If he ever said he would be available for England again then he's the type of player I would consider seriously," Eriksson said. "He's scoring a lot of goals in the Premiership and the Champions' League which is obviously what you want in an international. I respect Alan Shearer – he's a quality international player, but of course he made the decision to finish with England and concentrate on playing for Newcastle."

Shearer, who hung up his international boots after Euro 2000, has clearly benefited from the extra rest – and so, crucially, has his club. But the desire to represent his country again seems impossible to ignore any longer. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss England," he revealed, "because I had some great times. I still think I can do a job for England. In fact, I know I can do a job for England."

As his incredible scoring record continues to suggest, the 32-year-old is coping well with the demands of the modern game. He celebrated his 200th appearance for third-placed Newcastle at Charlton yesterday by scoring the penalty that set them on their way to a 2-0 win. Leaders Arsenal lost by the same score at Blackburn, encouraging title rivals Manchester United who won 1-0 at Villa Park. The gap at the top is now only two points.

Yesterday's goal was Shearer's 24th of the season and, but for Arsenal's Thierry Henry, he would be favourite for the Player of the Year award. The question remains whether Eriksson wants to approach Shearer to wear an England shirt again, in time for next month's Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Turkey. "Well, I haven't been convinced yet," Shearer said, "but then I haven't been asked the question. I've never spoken to Sven about it [playing for England again]."

This is baffling, but it explains why the striker is reluctant to re-offer his services publicly. "I haven't really thought about it," was his rather coy response when asked whether he would welcome a call from the England manager. "I've not had time, but then I've never had a chat with Sven about England." Not yet, he hasn't.