Shearer likely to assist England's next manager

London, June 23 (UNI) Former England goal poacher Alan Shearer is all set kick start his second innings and the Newcastle United legend could join Steve McClaren, the next England boss, as part of his management team.

McClaren envisages Shearer as the ideal man to provide a link between himself and the players and believes England's former No 9 will be the perfect No 3 for him and coaching maestro Terry Venables, according to a Daily Mirror report.

Shearer, who had planned a year out after retiring last season, commands respect among the players and his association with the team could spark optimism about England's hopes in the 2008 European Championship.

''Steve wants Terry to challenge him and he wants Alan to challenge the players,'' an England source said.

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