Owen: 'We're confident'

The current European Championship trophy holders are renowned for their strikers and creative midfield players, such as Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane. But the defence have not conceded a goal in eleven matches in the build up to Portugal.

However, England striker Owen insists he and the rest of the Three Lions squad are ready to end that record as they prepare for Sunday's opening Group B match in Lisbon.

And Owen believes Sven's men have what it takes to go one step further and beat Jacques Santini's side.

Owen said: "We respect France, but not too much. We're confident of going into the first game and matching them - and if not doing more than them.

"They haven't conceded a goal for eleven games but that has to come to an end sometime obviously. And I'm confident we're the men to do it.

"Other players in our team will score goals, and I'm confident I can score in all the games.

"I feel I have a lot to offer and my preparation throughout the year has been fine. I've not played too many games and everything has gone according to plan - so we've got no excuses really.

"One of the reasons we're very confident is that we haven't got as many injuries as we did in the last World Cup, or in those before.

"We have five days to go until the first game and so far there's only John Terry with a question mark. That's good because if you keep players fit you have a chance.

"All our preparation has been spot on and I feel we can match them or do better in every department.

"But they are world class in every department. Facts don't lie and they have won the World Cup and European Championships and are regarded by many as best team in the world. But that won't frighten us."

England go into the tournament with high expectations. But Owen insists the players have the ability to cope with the pressure - and believes England will have the best support at the tournament.

Owen added: "Our plan is to win tournament. Plenty of teams have a chance and we're one of them.

"I don't think you can play international football without being able to handle pressure.

"We are a country with massive football tradition behind us and everyone expects us to do really well. I'd hate to be heading to a major tournament with not many people back home interested.

"The pressure and anticipation spurs us on and we've got that. We look each other in the eye and demand that we'll do well - so pressure is not strange to anyone."