As England captain David Beckham sends out an appeal to England fans to be well-

As England captain David Beckham sends out an appeal to England fans to be well-behaved ahead of their two forthcoming matches against Serbia and Montenegro and Slovakia, his stand-in with the arm-band, Michael Owen, today reinforced the view from within the England camp and The FA, that supporters must conduct themselves with dignity and pride while showing opposing sides respect.

"I'm sure it [Beckham's television appeal] will have an effect. If it doesn't I don't think you are a true football fan," said Owen.

"Our captain and manager have been stressing the importance of behaving well and I think the role that this side of the fence has been playing has been very positive,

"Everyone is hoping the fans go to support the team like they should. We know they are going to behave and let's hope it all goes to plan.

"We expect a good fair match, we want the fans to get excited but to keep within the rules and regulations of going to a football match."

Owen also feels that the players can lead by example by keeping their own celebrations under control, adding: "At the start of the season we were told by police liaison officers if we score it has to be in a decent way, don't go off the pitch then no blame can be laid at your door."

Despite a number of absences due to injury, Owen is positive that England will come through both games with good results and that a win in next week's match against Slovakia will put them that much closer to Portugal next summer: "We have a long injury list but I'm sure we can cope without them."

"We're playing against two good nations but nothing we should fear; with the players we've got I'd be disappointed if we didn't win on Tuesday and the following Wednesday."

"The players can do their part by qualifying and behaving when they are qualifying. We ask the fans to behave, we believe it will all run smoothly."

Who'll partner Owen, though? Is the question that is being asked yet again, and though he won't be drawn on who should play as number 9, he feels that Wayne Rooney could become a great partner while club-mate Emile Heskey is one already.

"It's all down to playing, to practising with them. Some partnerships click quicker than others.

"If Wayne was to play then hopefully a partnership would be formed quickly. If it didn't it would work but it would take time.

"I played with Wayne against Turkey but after 10 minutes I had a knock and I was never the same. I wasn't able to link and play the game I should have been able to play.

"It was hard to get an understanding," said Owen, although he added: "He did well on a personal level."

"I've played with Emile for a long time now. I know how I play when he plays.

"He does a lot of the strength work, holding the ball up."

But Owen would be disappointed if Heskey did not get a good reception at Leicester, the club he left to join Liverpool.

"He came through the ranks at Leicester and your fans should support you when you come through the ranks.

"He's helped them out financially which a lot of players would not do."