Fans want Shearer at Euro 2004

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May 14, 2004 20:18 IST

England fans are calling for Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer to come out of international retirement and partner Michael Owen at Euro 2004, according to a survey on Friday.

The 33-year-old, who has insisted he would not go back on his decision to retire after Euro 2000, was the fans' first choice as Owen's partner with 34 percent of the vote.

Teenage forward Wayne Rooney, who is expected to be England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's choice, came second with over 25 percent, followed by Alan Smith (11) and Jermain Defoe (10).

Emile Heskey, replaced by Rooney as Eriksson's preferred partner for Owen but still expected to go to Portugal, only managed fifth place with eight percent of the vote.

Shearer hit 30 goals in 63 appearances for England, eventually becoming captain, but also faced media criticism in the latter stages of his international career.

His decision to focus on Newcastle has paid dividends for the club, with 22-goal Shearer lying second behind Thierry Henry of Arsenal in this season's English premier league top scorers list.

The nearest English striker in the list, aside from Owen on 15 goals, is Southampton's James Beattie with 14.

Eriksson names his squad on May 17 for the tournament in Portugal, where England face holders France, Switzerland and Croatia in the group stage.

The survey was carried out by England sponsor Nationwide and polled nearly 40,000 fans using 75 official club websites.

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