2 May 2008
VIDEO: Michael Owen's hospice visit
England striker Michael Owen visits St.Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle and speaks of his future England hopes.
England striker Michael Owen has revealed just how determined he is to reach the double target of 100 caps and to become the Three Lions’ record goalscorer.

The Newcastle United star currently has 89 caps and 40 goals for England, which means he is only 11 appearances away from reaching the century and ten goals away from breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 49.

At the age of 28, Owen feels he will have the opportunity to reach the landmarks, but is not taking anything for granted at the moment.

“It’s always been in my sights, but it’s still a long way off,” admitted Owen, speaking at St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle which has benefited from the Team England Charity’s financial support.

“It would be the icing on the cake, as to get 100 caps for your country is fantastic and to get that record as well would be even more so.

“They are two targets that I have and whether they are unrealistic or not, time will tell.

“It’s nice to be in a position to chase two great targets like that though and I’ll be a very proud man if I can reach either of them, let alone both.”

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid man was also pleased to see how the players’ support through Team England had helped to raise awareness of the hospice care which is carried out all over the country.

“This really is a fantastic hospice, here in Newcastle,” he added.

“Team England have decided to get together and we want to do more both financially and in terms of working individually going around the different hospitals all over the UK.

“This is only the start really. We donate all of our match fees individually and this is my first time to this hospice.

“It’s fabulous to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and the difference a familiar face can make.

“It makes their day and there are plenty of people doing a lot of good work to make days like this work.”