Can Michael Owen Restore Himself As England's Top Man?

Summary: Michael Owen's twisted knee and subsequent World Cup exit, coming only weeks after recuperating from a previous injury was not only a personal set-back, but also ultimately a fatal blow to England's World Cup hopes. Sven-Goran Eriksson's nonsensical squad selections for the World Cup left England not only light in the striker department, but also seriously comprised our chances of a successful tournament. With only four strikers to choose from Eriksson always knew he wa...

Michael Owen's twisted knee and subsequent World Cup exit, coming only weeks after recuperating from a previous injury was not only a personal set-back, but also ultimately a fatal blow to England's World Cup hopes. Sven-Goran Eriksson's nonsensical squad selections for the World Cup left England not only light in the striker department, but also seriously comprised our chances of a successful tournament. With only four strikers to choose from Eriksson always knew he was playing a dangerous game. This was compounded by the fact Rooney and Owen were returning from injury and Theo Walcott had never played a first team game for Arsenal. But Owen's injury will have hurt Eriksson. He took an unnecessary risk, overloading his squad with midfielders, assuming the goals would be shared amongst the team. Michael Owen became an overnight sensation one humid evening in St Etienne during the France World Cup of 1998. As a young eighteen-year-old, Owen scored a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the second round only for England to lose once again on penalties. But he returned to Liverpool Football Club a national hero and England had found a striker whose presence on the field could spark fear into the heart of the opposition. The arrival of Raphael Benitez as new Liverpool FC manager triggered a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and a linkup with England colleague David Beckham. Despite a relatively successful season he was sold to Newcastle United where his appearances have been blighted by injury. England fans everywhere will be wishing Owen a speedy and successful recovery. England aren't blessed with many quality forwards at the moment and Owen's restoration is vital for their assault on the European Championships in 2008. Only time will tell if Michael Owen can return to top form and fulfil the potential he showed as a young lad. England fans everywhere will be keeping their fingers crossed.