Alan Shearer would 'give up Premier League goal record' for an England World Cup win | OneFootball

Premier League great is willing to sacrifice is biggest career achievement

Alan Shearer says he would happily give up his Premier League goalscoring record – and even accept Sunderland winning the Europa League – if it meant England won the World Cup.

The former England captain was speaking after the Three Lions' last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, which secured a quarter-final meeting with Norway.

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.

Asked if he would take Sunderland winning the Europa League this season in exchange for Three Lions 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."

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 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.