Alan Shearer made two telling comments to daughter's partner who is England star

Alan Shearer appears more than happy that his daughter Hollie is getting hitched to England rugby star Joe Marchant.

The former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers forward is preparing to call centre Marchant family after Hollie, aged 30, announced their engagement towards the end of 2024. Having kicked off their romance in 2022, Hollie trooped off to Paris with her beau when he switched from English rugby to chase glory with Top 14 giants Stade Francais the following year.

They've been living the dream ever since, and if Shearer's banter about the 28-year-old rugby ace is anything to go by, it looks like he's hit it off with his future son-in-law, too.

Marchant is currently ineligible to play for England due to his overseas career move – despite boasting 27 caps and bagging a Premiership win in 2021 – but that hasn't dampened the pair's French escapades.

Singer Hollie couldn't contain her excitement on Instagram, declaring last November: "BEST DAY EVER! ! (ring emoji) Got to say yes to my favourite person (heart emoji)."

Loads of congratulatory messages swamped the comments, but Shearer's was a standout, as he let heart-eyed and clapping emojis do all the talking.

Shearer also couldn't resist a dig when asked about the budding romance. He didn't miss a beat when declaring: "I'm just glad it's not a footballer!" But, the banter didn't stop there.

After Hollie and her boyhood Harlequins star fiancee jetted off to Naxos Island for a 2023 getaway, Shearer spotted a photo of Marchant in some rather snug swimwear and couldn't help but comment: "WTF are the smugglers you have on? " Clearly, the Newcastle legend is all in for a bit of fun with his future son-in-law.

While the wedding bells haven't started ringing just yet, Shearer's playful jabs suggest that he and Marchant are already thick as thieves, setting the stage for a harmonious family union when the time comes.

Chloe, his eldest daughter, is also following in such sporting footsteps and has found love with former rugby player Micky Young. The 36-year-old had two stints at Newcastle Falcons before finishing his career with Gloucester last year.

To honour Young's contributions to the sport, the Newcastle Falcons announced that they would hold a testimonial year for him, which will include a special football dinner event featuring none other than Shearer himself.