Sven banks on 'killer' Owen

Ken Dyer13 April 2012

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson today described Michael Owen as the "killer" capable of destroying any opposition.

Striker Owen has faced criticism for not being at the peak of his form so far in this World Cup.

The Liverpool star failed to score in any of England's Group G matches but opened his account in the 3-0 victory over Denmark and Eriksson believes his main striker is ready to add to that tally when England play their quarter-final on Friday.

"I believe Emile Heskey and Michael Owen are the best strikers you can find in England at the moment," Eriksson said today.

"Michael is very difficult to mark, so quick. Inside, he's a killer, he's there."

But England captain David Beckham believes that it is not only Owen who has that single- minded approach which could see England go all the way to the Final on 30 June.

"We proved it with the win over Argentina," Beckham said. "We are such a young team and to have that sort of character within the team already, is special.

"It's not only one player who has that approach. The majority of the side have it."

Leeds defender Rio Ferdinand, who has been one of the outstanding defenders of the World Cup so far, also believes this England team will not be satisfied with second best.

He said: "We're mostly young lads and losing to anyone now would be very disappointing.

"We're confident in our ability but not arrogant. We've got this far and we want to carry on. If we lose on Friday it will be a huge disappointment.

"My fear has always been that people forget about your last game if you're rubbish in the next one. That drives you on because you have to keep playing well so that no one has the opportunity of having a go at you."

Ferdinand, however, says he has no trouble keeping his feet on the ground despite the adulation and euphoria which followed his first international goal in the win over Denmark. "I didn't know what to do when that ball went in," he said. "It was mad. Then I started bopping and, even if no one else did, the lads in Peckham knew what I was doing.

"That's what keeps things in perspective. I call up my mates in London and they say, 'Well done,' and then we talk about something else.

"I spoke to my cousin Bernard over the weekend and he says it's crazy back home. The people are going mad. It makes you think, 'Bloody hell, man. This is crazy,' but it's nice as well.

"We have to keep doing the business, though. We don't want to leave our excuses out on the pitch. We don't want any regrets and end up saying, 'if only we had done that,' or 'If only we had put in that extra 10 per cent'."

Beckham hungry for final prize
Teddy: We want Brazil
The Gareth Southgate column
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