Owen optimistic
Sunday, 14 October, 2007
Michael Owen has warned Russia that the Three Lions are confident of winning on Wednesday night.
England 3-0 Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
Michael Owen has warned Russia that England will arrive in Moscow full of confidence for their crucial Euro 2008 qualifier this week.
England fly out from Manchester on Monday after training on a plastic pitch that is almost identical to the one they will face in Russia. And striker Owen says the whole squad is buzzing.
"We are ready to go out there and play against a good team," he insisted. "They will have home advantage and a lot has been made out of the surface we will be playing on but we are in confident mood.
"We have got top players, playing well for their country, and we will be looking to get a positive result. Any result will be good but we are looking to win."
Owen helped England to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Estonia on Saturday and although he didn't hit the net this time, and was taken off the second half to keep him fresh, the Newcastle striker is in hot form.
He said: "I'll be going into the game thinking I can score. Often in these games the best form of defence is attack and if we can get a goal, not many teams can score two against us."
Owen, who underwent a hernia operation little more than a week ago, says he feels fit and raring to go for the big clash.
He added: "Fitness wise I am fine. I feel good and with only playing an hour on Saturday, I will have more energy stored up and hopefully I can show it on Wednesday."
Goals
Wright-Phillips 11, Rooney 32, Rahn og 33