09 October 2004
Michael Owen match reaction


Owen has had to deal with some tough criticism from Spanish critics recently after being unable to clinch a permanent starting place for Real Madrid this season.

But the striker was back to his best at Old Trafford as England cruised to a comfortable win over Wales to strengthen their place at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Not only was Owen a constant threat in a three-man diamond-shaped attack with Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney, but he also hopes he will be credited with his 28th goal for England.

At first it seemed Frank Lampard was responsible for putting the Three Lions ahead after only four minutes at Old Trafford, when Owen set him up and the Chelsea man's 20-yard drive ended up in the net.

But television pictures show Lampard's shot came off Owen's heel - and took a sizeable deflection before spinning past keeper Paul Jones.

"I've got to claim the goal, haven't I?" said Owen. "It came off me and I was the last one who touched it.

"It came off my heel and I've had it before where I've shot and it's gone off a defender and they've given it as an own goal. It was quite a clearly a big deflection so it's definitely mine!"

Owen, who had to endure reports that he could be dropped for this game, produced an emphatic and impressive performance to answer his doubters - and almost grabbed a second goal when his header was well saved by Jones in the second half.

"I enjoyed the game and I've enjoyed the whole week, it's been a breath of fresh air for me," said Owen. "I love it out in Madrid but it's been good to be back in England for a while.

"Even the weather and a bit of rain falling on you seemed good! Being back with the lads was fantastic and it was a terrific atmosphere and a good result for us as well."

Owen believes England ran out comfortable winners in the end, and insists he was never too concerned that his early goal would be cancelled out by the visitors.

He said: "I thought everyone played well and did their part. I can hardly remember Wales having a shot at goal and it was a good all-round performance from us.

"Overall I think the three up front worked well, because myself and Jermain were trying to drag their players away and give Wayne enough space to use his ability and cause them problems.

"In the end it could have been more convincing, but 2-0 is a comfortable scoreline.

"I've heard people criticise Wales, but there is a lot of quality in the Welsh game and they have come a long way in a short period of time. I am going to defend them because I have a lot of welsh friends.

"The truth is they were good today but I thought England played well and it was comfortable win. A really good day's work."