KEVIN KEEGAN believes Robbie Fowler and Teddy Sheringham hold the key to getting the best out of captain Alan Shearer as the England coach prepares to send out an attack-minded team against Bulgaria tonight.

Keegan showed his determination to win the game in Sofia, that is now vital to England's chances of reaching the European Championship play-offs, as he not only replaced Andy Cole with Fowler but also picked Sheringham to fill in for the suspended Paul Scholes.

Shearer has not had a regular strike partner for many months, with Fowler the latest in a line of forwards that has included Michael Owen, Cole and Kevin Phillips.

But the Newcastle forward is clearly relishing the chance to link up again with Sheringham, whose recall to the team has capped a memorable end to the season including goals in both the Champions Cup and FA Cup finals for Manchester United.

Shearer is not alone, though, in believing Sheringham can provide the spark which was so patently missing in the England side which struggled to a goalless draw against Sweden at Wembley.

"Robbie and Teddy will give Alan something as it's something different. Robbie will work the channels and work off the flicks," said Keegan.

Fowler may have endured a six-match club ban after his flare-up with Graeme Le Saux followed by his ill-judged goal celebration against Everton.

But Keegan believes Fowler may have even benefited from the controversy as he declared his conviction that the Liverpool striker was both physically and mentally ready for the challenge against Bulgaria.

"It's been a poor end to a season for a terrifically talented player but this is a window of opportunity for him to come back and show people," said Keegan.

Despite the ostensibly offensive-orientated line-up - with three strikers, two attacking wing-backs in the shape of Michael Gray and Phil Neville, and Jamie Redknapp replacing Tim Sherwood in midfield - Keegan was at pains to stress the defensive strengths of his side.

Rio Ferdinand's ability to bring the ball out of defence has been overlooked in favour of the more dependable qualities of Gareth Southgate to partner Jonathon Woodgate and Sol Campbell, while David Batty will provide a midfield bulwark.

"Although we've got to get after them and win the game we mustn't concede goals and with two-and-a-half forwards in the line-up I just feel that we need a little bit more security at the back," said Keegan."

"This is a team built to go forward and cause them problems at the back, but it's also a team that has some security when they're causing us problems as they inevitably will do."

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