Alan Shearer made two seven-word quips to daughter's fiancé who is England international

England rugby ace Joe Marchant is engaged to Alan Shearer’s 30-year-old daughter Hollie, and comments made by the ex-Newcastle and Three Lions striker say a lot

Alan Shearer clearly approves of his daughter Hollie marrying England rugby ace Joe Marchant, judging by the Premier League icon’s past comments.

Former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker Shearer is set to welcome centre Marchant into the family after the happy couple’s engagement announcement in late 2024.

Hollie, 30, started dating the ex-Harlequins man in 2022 and moved with her beau to Paris when he jumped the English rugby ship in 2023 for Top 14 club Stade Francais.

The pair haven’t looked back since, and if Shearer’s remarks regarding the 28-year-old are any indication, he and Marchant seem to enjoy a light-hearted and warm relationship of their own.

Marchant has made 27 appearances for his country but is unable to play for England currently due to plying his trade outside the Premiership – a competition he won in 2021. Yet, this hasn't stopped him and his wife-to-be from enjoying their time in France.

In November last year, singer Hollie announced on her Instagram account that the two were engaged, writing: "BEST DAY EVER!! (ring emoji) Got to say yes to my favourite person (heart emoji)."

The comments of the post were riddled with congratulations, but Shearer’s reaction was explicitly telling. The ex-England captain didn’t use any words to express his joy at the question being popped, instead opting for a series of heart-eyes and clapping hand emojis.

Shearer was previously asked his opinion on his daughter dating the rugby star, to which he confidently quipped: "I’m just glad it’s not a footballer!"

This comical comment was backed up by another exclamation made by Shearer after Hollie and Marchant took a 2023 vacation to Naxos Island in Greece. The couple shared a series of photos from the trip; one in particular depicted Marchant in rather revealing swimming trunks.

Shearer, who will seemingly enjoy welcoming boyhood Harlequins ace Marchant into his family, commented: "WTF are the smugglers you have on?" He was poking fun at what his future son-in-law was wearing.

Though no date has been made public about the big day yet, the 54-year-old’s jibes indicate that the two have already well and truly hit it off, and they’ll not be butting heads when matrimony arrives.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.