'I received royal honour like David Beckham - here's what it's really like'

Alan Shearer has shared an insight into what it feels like to be recognised at Buckingham Palace, following David Beckham's long-awaited knighthood. The Newcastle legend, who received an OBE in 2001 and later a CBE in 2016, reflected on being celebrated at the Royal Family's residence, describing it as a "surreal" moment.

"It's an amazing experience to receive an honour," Shearer told Betfair. "I went to Buckingham Palace on both occasions and it was an amazing day. [You feel] so proud for yourself and your family. It's all the commitment that you've been through the years and all the hard work that you've put in. It's pretty surreal." Shearer, 55, enjoyed one of the most remarkable careers in English football, netting over 400 goals during his time with Newcastle, Blackburn, Southampton and the England national side.

A Premier League champion with Blackburn in the 1994/95 season, he remains the competition's all-time top scorer with 260 goals - and also captained his country for several years. Yet Shearer's royal recognition was not based solely on his success on the pitch. His dedication to charitable work and commitment to the North East community were major factors in his awards.

Philanthropy was also central to Beckham's knighthood. The Manchester United great - knighted by King Charles last week - was honoured for his influence on both football and numerous charitable causes, including his long-time partnership with UNICEF and support for organisations such as Malaria No More and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Beckham had been considered for the honour for many years, and Shearer said it was "about time" he received the "thoroughly deserved" accolade.

"He's been a great ambassador for football. He obviously does a huge amount of charity work as well and just listening to him afterwards talking to the media, you can see how much it meant to him, how proud he was and how proud all his family were," the Match of the Day pundit said. "Big congratulations to him and his family - it's thoroughly deserved."

Shearer and Beckham represented England together for four years, both playing key roles at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Despite the talent within the squad, the Three Lions failed to make a deep run in either competition.

At France '98, Beckham's infamous sending-off in the last-16 tie against Argentina proved decisive, as England were knocked out on penalties. Two years later, at Euro 2000, the team suffered more heartache - going out in the group stage despite a famous win over arch-rivals Germany.

"I was lucky enough to play with him [Beckham] for England in the 1998 and that night against Argentina was one of the major talking points at that World Cup," Shearer recalled. "I played with him again at Euro 2000 and he put a great ball in for me when I scored against Germany.

"It was an unbelievable cross from Beckham - a forwards dream. He had a brilliant technique and was fantastic. We weren't the greatest team in 2000 but in '98 we went in thinking we could win it."

After Euro 2000, Shearer brought his international career to an end, allowing Beckham to take on the England captaincy. Beckham went on to lead the national team for six years, guiding them through the 2002 and 2006 World Cups as well as Euro 2004.

On each occasion, England's journey came to a familiar conclusion - a quarter-final exit. Beckham stepped down as captain after Germany '06 but continued to represent his country until 2009.