UEFA European Championship Qualifier
4pm (BST), Wednesday 17 October 2007
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Live on Sky Sports
Michael Owen has happy memories of Moscow and would love to have a repeat of his scoring feat the last time he was in the city.
The England striker played in Russia while with Liverpool five years ago and claimed a hat-trick as his side came away with three Champions League points against Spartak Moscow.
A similar result for England at the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday night would see the Three Lions qualify for Euro 2008 and send the Russians out. But despite Owen’s record against Russian sides, he knows to expect a tough match.
“I’d love to repeat that feat,” said Owen when he caught up with TheFA.com at the team hotel.
“We won 3-1 for Liverpool in the Champions League and I scored a perfect hat-trick, a left foot, a right foot and a header, which is obviously a fond memory to look back on. We’re in different circumstances here, but I’d gladly take just one tonight.”
Last month, Owen had more than one goal when he lined up against Guus Hiddink’s side at Wembley. Two first-half strikes put England on the road to a 3-0 victory. Then on Saturday against Estonia, the same result was acheived, which now means that another three points in Moscow will guarantee a place in Austria and Switzerland next summer.
However, the 27-year-old knows not to underestimate the Russians, who need a win themselves to put qualification in their own hands, but he is certainly not fearful of them as he and England go for the victory.
“It’s been great to put ourselves in a good position to qualify, needing to win the second from last game to qualify. We thought it might go down to the final game, but here we are in a position where we could qualify tonight and it’s a great incentive.
“At Wembley [against Russia], scoring goals in a competitive game like that, is a fantastic feeling. It was a good performance by the team. I felt that I was in a good vein of form and England were playing well, so it was a nice combination.”
The Newcastle United man added: “We realise from the first game at Wembley that they are a decent side. Three-nil may have flattered us. In the first half we were dominant, but the second half was quite even. I’m not expecting it to be a three-nil outcome again, although that would be nice, but we’ve got to go out and try to win the game.
“In the back of their minds, we beat them, let’s not forget that. Russia are a good team and always have been, they have a good tradition about their football, but as much as it is a tough game, it’s not going to be an impossible game by any means.
“It’s a pressure game for both sides. They have to win. A draw wouldn’t be too bad for us, but we’re definitely going out for the three points. To go back on the plane knowing we’ve qualified would be a great feeling so let’s hope we can go and get that feeling.”
To watch the exclusive video with Michael, click on the link above.