England v Ecuador
Round of 16, World Cup 2006
4pm, Sunday 25 June
Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart

Paul Robinson reveals the England players were left devastated over the injury to Michael Owen, but still believes they have enough quality forwards to go a long way in the World Cup this summer.

Owen had only just regained full fitness and looked to be regaining his best form when he went down injured in the first minute against Sweden and was carried off on a stretcher.

Scans revealed the bad news that Owen had ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligaments and will miss the rest of the World Cup.

Robinson knows the absence of Owen will be a major blow to the whole England squad as they prepare for the second round tie against Ecuador on Sunday.

Robinson said: "We are devastated over the injury to Michael Owen. It looked a serious one at the time and he will not play any more part in the World Cup which is disappointing for him and the team.

"It is unbelievable when he has just getting fit again. I don’t think there was anybody near him and it was an unfortunate injury."

Despite the injury setback to Owen, Robinson is confident that the likes of Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Theo Walcott and Steven Gerrard can more than deputise in the England attack and help the Three Lions achieve World Cup success this summer.

Robinson added: "It is very pleasing to see Wayne Rooney back and get some match action under his belt.

"I thought Wazza and Crouchy did very well together upfront and it looks as if that is what we will go with for the rest of the tournament.

"To lose a player of Michael’s quality is bad for the team and the squad. The loss of a striker is going to be bad for any squad.

"We have got Theo Walcott and Steven Gerrard who can play up there. But Wazza and Crouchy are playing well at the moment and we should be alright.

"It would be nice to win the World Cup for everybody."

Robinson was disappointed to have conceded two goals from set-pieces against Sweden, but has been pleased overall with his performances in the group matches.

The England number one has not let in a goal from open play and will be one of the happiest players in the team if that continues all the way to the final in Berlin on 9 July.

Robinson added: "I only had the one save to make against Sweden when I pushed the ball onto the bar which is very pleasing. If they would have scored at that stage it would have been tough for us.

"I am there to do my job when called upon and hopefully I won’t be needed throughout the World Cup. I hope we can get to the final and I won’t have to make another save.

"We are pleased to have won the group and have been reasonably pleased with the way we have played.

"I still don’t think we have reached top gear yet. But we have won the group and not played well. Ecuador was the game we wanted in the second round."

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