Shearer talks up England 2018-2022

The striker was a key member of Terry Venables' side, scoring five times as they reached the last four at the European Championship 14 years ago before losing to Germany on penalties.

And the former England captain is now keen to see international football's premier competition return to England for the first time since 1966.

"We all want it here, it is such a huge and significant thing for our country to have, see and experience and it would be great for everyone," Shearer told Press Association Sport.

Asked what his memories of Euro 96 were, the former Newcastle man said: "The penalty (from Gareth Southgate) that never went in that saw us pack our bags and go home.

"Great atmosphere, great to play at Wembley in front of the home fans, it gives you an extra buzz to be in your own back yard.

"It gives you a huge lift and the further we went in 96 the better the atmosphere got and I'm sure it would be the same if not better at the World Cup in 2018."

Shearer feels the country is well equipped to host the World Cup.

"Over the next few weeks you'll hear a lot of people say we've got the stadiums and the fans and I go along with that," he said.

"And those atmospheres that those stadiums generate week in, week out, are fantastic."

Shearer was at Wembley today with former strike partner Teddy Sheringham as part of the England 2018/2022 bid where Morrisons was announced as a new official partner.

Former Manchester United striker Sheringham said: "How fantastic would it be to have the World Cup here?

"I was lucky enough to be involved in Euro 96 and what a great occasion that was and it would be even better to have the World Cup here."