Owen has been used sparingly by his new club Real Madrid this season since his high-profile move from Liverpool in the summer.

But he played the full 90 minutes for England in the 2-0 win over Wales on Saturday and looked impressive in a three-man attack alongside Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney.

And the 24-year-old, who will captain the team for the seventh time in place of David Beckham, believes his confidence was given a boost during the victory at Old Trafford.

"I have enjoyed my time in Madrid and I am sure it's going to work out really well in the end. But it is true to say that I have not played as many minutes as I would have wanted at the start of the season," Owen explained.

"I was eager to do well against Wales because I felt I had not had the opportunity to put in a really good performance for a while. I know I didn't set the world on fire, but I was pleased with what I did.

"I wanted to make a good start and I think with my first touch I was able to run at my defender and go past him and that gave me a bit of a lift and then I felt confident every time I got the ball.

"I feel as if I have been let off the leash now and nothing can stop you when you are out on the pitch. It's one of the few places you feel ultra-comfortable and whenever I am out on the pitch I feel really happy.

"Every time I join up with the England squad I get a real buzz because it is the ultimate thing for a professional footballer to represent their country."

Owen briefly attempted to claim a goal in the win over Wales, although FIFA quickly ruled that Frank Lampard should take credit for his deflected shot.

But the striker is not aggrieved at the decision and added: "Frank and I had a chat and a laugh about it in the dressing room after the game and we were both adamant it was our goal.

"But we agreed to leave it up to the relevant authorities and now that FIFA have decided to give it to Frank then it's chapter closed as far as I am concerned."