Alan Shearer has stated that he would willingly surrender his Premier League goalscoring record and even tolerate Sunderland winning the Europa League if it resulted in England winning the World Cup. The former England captain made the remarks after the Three Lions' last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, securing a quarter-final meeting with Norway.
Shearer's Sacrifice for National Glory
In the latest episode of the Hot Take Hotline, the Betfair ambassador was asked what he would be prepared to sacrifice to see England end their long wait for World Cup glory. When asked if he would accept Sunderland winning the Europa League this season in exchange for England ending 60 years of hurt, Shearer, a lifelong Newcastle United supporter, admitted he would make that trade despite the fierce rivalry between the clubs.
"Haha, yeah, I would take that," he said. "I would take England winning the World Cup and Sunderland winning the Europa League. But there's fantasy and there's reality and Sunderland are not winning the Europa League."
Willing to Give Up Premier League Record
The former striker, who scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England, was then asked whether he would also be willing to surrender his place in Premier League history. Shearer remains the competition's all-time leading goalscorer with 260 goals, a record that has stood since his retirement in 2006. Asked if he would give up that achievement in exchange for England winning the World Cup, his answer was equally emphatic.
"Haha, yeah, I would sacrifice that, why not," he said. "We have never won the World Cup in my time, so, I would give it all up, yeah, all those goals up for England winning the World Cup. Absolutely."
England's World Cup Campaign
England are aiming to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 and face Norway in the quarter-finals after overcoming Mexico in the last 16. Victory would move Thomas Tuchel's side to within two matches of lifting the trophy.
