The Newcastle striker broke his foot on 31 December but has convinced Eriksson of his fitness during sessions at England's training camp in Portugal.

The news comes as a massive boost for England fans, who will now hope that Owen's strike-partner, Wayne Rooney, makes a similar recovery from his foot injury.

Eriksson said: "Michael looks very sharp, he's been scoring goals in training, and he's hungry to play football.

"I've not been asking players to not tackle Michael in training, but I have told them not to be stupid with their tackles.

"He is very important to us, but he looked 100 per cent fit, and he will be perfect come the World Cup - which I believe we can win."