Tony Adams fears taking on the job of England coach could "destroy" Alan Shearer.

Former England striker Shearer is among the favourites to replace Steve McClaren following the national team's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Shearer has admitted an interest in going into management, having been working primarily as a television pundit since retiring from playing 18 months ago.

He expressed his shock last week at being linked with the England job and shied away from revealing any interest in succeeding McClaren.

And his old international team-mate Adams believes it could be a damaging move by Shearer to accept the role as his first in coaching.

"I like Alan a lot, but I would hate to stick him in there because it could destroy him," said Adams in the Daily Telegraph.

"I loved playing against him and he comes across very well on TV, but I wouldn't like to throw him in among the pack of wolves awaiting him if he takes the national job.

"UEFA licences are there for a reason and if Alan gets them, fair play to him, but Marco van Basten had his before he took the Holland job."

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