30 August 2005
Sven-Goran Eriksson Press Conference
Watch the England Head Coach talk about the fitness of his squad ahead of the two important qualifiers next week.

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he is delighted for Michael Owen after learning about his move to Newcastle United.

Owen contacted the Three Lions’ Head Coach on Monday evening to talk about his move from Real Madrid to Tyneside.

Sven put his mind at ease and insists he is happy that Owen will be playing regular football.

He said: "As long as it makes Michael Owen happy then it is good news for England. Newcastle are a great club and he will get to play a lot and I suppose he is very happy.

"I am not concerned that he will not be playing European football, he has played a lot and I am happy.

"It is a great partnership for Newcastle. Owen will score goals for him and it is great for him to play with Alan Shearer. He is the big target man and will provide Owen with many chances."

Meanwhile, Sven said that Fulham’s Zat Knight will be called up to replace the injured John Terry for Saturday’s game against Wales.

He added: "Terry was here this morning but we sent him home because he has a knee injury and will be out for four weeks.

"There is no chance he can play football so Zat Knight is coming tonight. He did well in America, we have been looking at him regularly and we think he deserves a chance.

"Steve Gerrard did work today but not with the ball but we think he will be ready for Saturday. It is important that we don’t risk anything because he is important for us."

Sven is hoping that England bounce back from the recent 4-1 defeat against Denmark.

He said: "What happened in Copenhagen was bad, we are not going to lose in that way I promise you, absolutely.

"I showed the squad the video and I am sure they did not like what they saw. Both games facing us now are dangerous and Wales and Northern Ireland want to beat us so we have to be very prepared."