Neville's broken World Cup dream

Publicly, England's coach said yesterday he would give one of his most experienced players time. Eriksson said: 'We will have to wait and see over the next few weeks. It is very unlucky and rather ironic that the same club can have two of their players suffer such similar injuries in the same competition in a short space of time. However, I will give both David and Gary every opportunity to be fit for the World Cup.'

That may be so, but Eriksson was also making it clear that Neville would have to make a miraculous recovery to secure his place. Should he still be struggling when England depart for Dubai on May 13, Neville will spend the summer at home.

So too, of course, will Shearer. But the former England captain believes Eriksson's team are unlikely to impress this summer. 'It will be very tough for England at the World Cup,' the Newcastle striker told Maxim magazine. 'I think a more realistic target will be to make a real impression at the European Championship in Portugal in 2004.

'That doesn't mean England can't win it, because on paper they have some truly world-class players like Gerrard, Owen, Beckham and Scholes. 'They are playing very well as a team and I think all the signs are very encouraging for England. But because of the climate and because of the age of the side, it may come a little early for them.'

Shearer also believes the demands of another gruelling domestic season will take their toll. 'I don't think it will help, but that's been the case in England for years,' he said. 'English football is very demanding.'

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