Alan Shearer last night confirmed he would not be making a dramatic England return, almost three years after announcing his international retirement.

The Newcastle United striker backtracked on comments he made yesterday when he confessed he missed playing for England and felt he could still do well for his country.

Shearer, 32, had sparked hopes that he would make an international comeback in England's next two Euro 2004 qualifiers, including the game against Turkey at the Stadium of Light.

But last night he said: "The widespread coverage of my remarks concerning a possible comeback for England has led me for the first time to seriously consider making myself available again for the England team.

"As part of that process, I spent much of the day discussing that decision with my family, my close friends and football colleagues.

"After much consideration, I feel it is only right and fair to make it absolutely clear that I do not wish to be considered for future selection by the England coach.

"My comments following Newcastle United's midweek match with Inter Milan were made in good faith and truly reflected my enormous enjoyment of football this season.

"But I honestly believe my remaining football ambitions can be fulfilled at club level with Newcastle United in the Premiership and in the Champions League.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the many people who have made kind and complimentary remarks about my recent form.

"I would like to wish the England coach Sven Goran Eriksson and the England team the best of luck for the European Championships qualification campaign."

Shearer quit international football after England's first round exit from Euro 2000 in June of that year, citing his lengthy catalogue of injuries.

Eriksson tried to tempt the former England captain out of international exile shortly after he took over as coach in November 2000.

Shearer said then that he was sticking by his original decision, and after recovering from tendonitis in his knee he has enjoyed a wonderful return to form.

Eriksson had been heartened by Shearer's comments, hoping that the striker could put England back on course to qualify for Euro 2004 after the setback of the 2-2 draw with Macedonia in October.

The England coach said: "I have the utmost respect for Alan. He is a quality player of proven international ability.

"If he ever said definitely that he would be available, he is the type of player who would get serious consideration.

"He is playing extremely well and scoring goals."

Shearer confirmed the experience of playing against Internazionale at the San Siro last Tuesday had rekindled his desire to represent England again.

The striker has hit 24 goals this season, including a penalty in Saturday's win over Charlton Athletic that took him past Hughie Gallacher in Newcastle's all-time list of scorers.

Kevin Keegan, who was England coach when Shearer quit the international arena, welcomed the prospect of the player he signed for £15m appearing for his country again.

Manchester City manager Keegan said: "People wrote off Alan Shearer after Euro 2000 but you should not do that to people like him because they are the best.

"They just use it to prove you wrong. That is what they thrive on and live on.

"He is certainly doing well enough to play for England. If you're talking about putting four or five strikers in a squad of 22 based on genuine ability and performance week in, week out, he would be No 1 or No 2.

"He was always mine and it's something I would look forward to. I think the world of him as a person, and as a player he is right back to his very best."

But Shearer's admission yesterday that he would like to play international football again was criticised by former England winger Chris Waddle.

He said: "I'm sure Alan misses it and I think he can do a good job, but it will be a mistake.

"To go and play for England is very tiring. I think he did the right thing by retiring and is now focused on Newcastle."

Shearer scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England. His high point was Euro 96, when he was the tournament's leading scorer with five.