11 October 2005
Michael Owen press conference

England striker Michael Owen talks to the press ahead of the final World Cup qualifier against Poland.


Click here to read the full transcription from Michael's press briefing

Michael Owen has told England fans there is a lot more to come from the team ahead of the World Cup.

Owen, who has been handed the captain's armband due to David Beckham's suspension, says the Three Lions will raise their game in the five remaining matches before Germany 2006.

And even though England have already booked a place in the tournament next year, Owen wants the side to finish on a high against Poland on Wednesday.

He said: "We haven't played well for a full 90 minutes for a while and we would like to put in a good performance to lift everyone. There has been a lot of doom and gloom about, and a good performance is high on the agenda.

"We have been talking about the result being 99 per cent and the performance being the other one per cent, but we hope to raise that up by a few points against Poland now that we have qualified.

"The pride of coming on top will be a nice thing to have and I am sure Poland will be thinking the same thing.

"You will see a different team in the World Cup when we come up against teams like Brazil or Argentina.

"Now that we have qualified, players' priorities change. Everybody will be trying to keep up their form for their clubs and perform well with the hope of being in the squad for the World Cup."

Owen, who has scored five times in seven games as captain, admitted his pride at leading Sven's men out at Old Trafford on Wednesday - but insisted Beckham is still the best man for the job permanently.

He added: "It's always a privilege to lead your country but it's David Beckham's job on a regular basis and I look on it as keeping it warm for him.

"I will look at the other leaders on the pitch like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand for help but I haven't given it much thought as to who should take over whenever David retires.

"If anything, being captain gives you an extra lift. It's a fantastic feeling when you walk out on the pitch and singing the national anthem.

"Captaining your country is unbelievable, but I am not losing any sleep over who should be the captain after David."

Click here to read the full transcription from Michael's press briefing