17 May 2006
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Michael Owen has assured England fans he can cope with the pressure of being our main goalscorer at the World Cup.

With Wayne Rooney still suffering from a broken foot, England’s dreams of success in Germany could rest on Owen’s ability to hit the net. But it is not a responsibility that fazes him one ounce.

After 35 goals in 75 appearances for his country, the Newcastle striker is 100 per cent confident he can do the job - despite missing two-thirds of the season with injury.

He said: "I think I've played 20 games this year between club and country - that's probably 20 fewer than being perfect if you're talking about preparing for the World Cup.

"But in saying that I prefer to have played 20 fewer than 20 too many. I'm raring to go, I'm fit and I feel sharp in training.

"Anyway, the pressure certainly doesn't really affect the way I play.

"If anyone plays for England on a regular basis and for top Premiership teams - the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal - you've got to be able to handle pressure.

"There are massive games every week, let alone a Champions League final like Arsenal were playing in this week. So pressure comes with life.

"I never get so excited that I can't think and I never get too low, either. I'm able to keep a middle ground on a lot of things."

It’s not difficult to work out where Owen’s self-belief comes from because at the age of 26 he is already on his way to becoming one of the greatest goalscorers England has ever seen.

"I’ve achieved a lot in the game already and I suppose good experiences are a good thing," he said.

"The first time I ever played in the World Cup I scored, the first time I played in a football match I scored, the first time I played for Liverpool I scored. If you do it first time, it's not a confidence thing it's something deep within you that you know you can do it.

"I don't go to sleep thinking about the pressure, I think about that little rectangle that I've got to smack the ball into - and that's about it."

Owen’s confidence is good news for England and so is his return to fitness following a broken foot.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid man has looked extremely sharp in training this week and is all set to play against Belarus for England B on Thursday at Reading to improve his match-sharpness.

Then, of course, there is Hungary and Jamaica to follow - before the real action gets underway in Germany.

"I think we can do well," said Owen. "I’m confident because I think we have a very good team and one of the best squads in the tournament."

Stay with TheFA.com as we build up to the World Cup.