10 October 2007
VIDEO: Michael Owen pre Estonia
Michael Owen says he is ready to face Estonia at Wembley on Saturday, with goalscoring records in his sights.
England v Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1



Michael Owen has set his sights on 50 goals and 100 caps for England after declaring himself fit and ready to face Estonia on Saturday.

Owen, who has made a remarkable recovery from a hernia operation, is on a high right now after scoring for Newcastle last weekend just eight days after going under the knife.

Now he has re-iterated his commitment to the national team after training with his Three Lions team-mates.

Owen currently has 85 caps and 40 goals – only nine short of Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record – so you can understand why he is so determined not to miss matches.

"I’m hungry to play," he said. "And milestones like that don’t come around too often.

"I’ve been playing for England for nearly ten years now. That’s an average of four goals every year so the record could still be a couple of years away taking into consideration fitness and form.

"As for one hundred caps that is another fantastic milestone. If you ask me which one I’d take I’d take the goals. But who knows. If I’m lucky enough I could do both."

Owen is looking forward to renewing his partnership with Wayne Rooney this weekend after the Manchester United striker also returned to fitness.

The duo haven’t played a full game together since England beat Argentina in an amazing friendly match in Geneva before the 2006 World Cup.

Owen said: "I remember that game well, it was one of the highlights of the last few years playing for England. It was more than just a friendly, we beat Argentina 3-2 and it was a great game – I got two and Wayne one.

"But myself and Wayne have played well before that. Obviously people talk about how well Emile Heskey did last month and we have a good partnership, that’s well documented. But me and Wayne have done well together as well.

"In Euro 2004, for instance, when the roles were reversed because he was on fire and scored the goals and I was provider when normally he provides for me.

"But we’ve done well in the past and hopefully that can continue. I’m don’t see any reason why not.

"I don’t think I’ve lost anything since my injuries, if anything I’ve come back and have been scoring more frequently and playing even better.

"Wayne has obviously had a couple of injuries as well but he’s been playing his way back into form in the last few games for Man United as well. Hopefully we have two in-form strikers available to play and do well – if selected."