Michael Owen came on as a second half substitute against France in Paris on Wednesday night, but could do nothing to help England as they went down to a 1-0 defeat, in a lack luster game .
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 Michael Owen – 89th cap on Wednesday night for England
This was the first defeat for new England manager Fabio Capello and Michael talked about the new manager and England to the Newcastle Journal this morning:
“It’s early days with this manager,†“We’ve only played two games and they’ve been friendly matches – who knows what might happen when it comes to a qualifying game?â€â€œThe sad thing is that we’re not going to be in the major tournament this summer, so it’s only going to be friendlies for quite a while. Every player wants to play, obviously. But for now, I’m not.â€
“I’m sure he (Capello) knows what I’m about. I don’t feel like I have to prove myself because I’ve been there and done it. He’s obviously seen me play and he’s watched videos of me in qualifying.â€
“I missed a lot of qualifying because of my cruciate, but when I came back I thought I played pretty well. I scored against Israel and Estonia and I only played one more game after that – the away game in Russia that we lost.”
“I did all right in the last round of matches, and the manager has obviously seen me play lots of times before. He knows exactly what I’m capable of and I’m not worried about that in the slightest.â€
“I suppose there was an element of trying to impress a new manager, but there are enough reasons to want to do well for your country whenever you play. You want to win for your country, new manager or not, but his arrival is certainly another ingredient in why everyone wants to do well.â€
“I thought we did play well against France, it’s just that when they got their goal it was very tough to get back into the game. They seemed to have an extra player when we were chasing the game and they passed around us. Having said that, though, I thought we played well.â€
“We made a few changes and that never helps the pattern of the game, but I thought, in general, we played quite well. They only got into our box once or twice in the first half. They scored one of them, but we had a few more chances than them. Once they scored, they showed what a class team they are and it was difficult for us to get back into the game.â€
But Fabio Capello seems to be one who picks those who are in form and seems to care little about past performances and reputation. The best player for England on Wednesday night surprisingly was David Beckham, who played in his 100th game for England with the enthusiasm as if it was his very first cap. He is a great role model now for young kids.
This boy has had a lot of troubles in the past, but he has matured into just a great guy, and he showed it on Wednesday night. He seems ready to fight for his place in the England side for the next world cup and on this performance he’ll make the squad. He can still cross a ball better than anybody else in world football.
Let’s hope Michael hits the goal trail again on Sunday at Tottenham, because we are still not out of the relegation woods yet.
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
Davies
Mar 28, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Comment #1Looks in form at the moment. If he can start bagging two per game I’m sure Fabio would be as happy with him as we would.
Nice to see that he didn’t break his leg or anything though.
Go on Mickey.
James
Mar 28, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Comment #2For the first time in his career he cares more about his club than his country….and it’s showing on the pitch.
A worthy captain on and off the pitch.
Get the ball into the box as often as possible on Sunday and MO will ensure we beat Spurs.
I AM OBAFEMI MARTINS
Mar 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Comment #3does capello not want england to play with a striker supporting rooney where owen has been playing with viduka and martins? seems strange he wont play him if that is what he is trying to do
Egar
Mar 28, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Comment #4OM MV MO will do nicely against Spurs.
ObaFan2
Mar 28, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Comment #5The crossing in the second half was terrible, reminded me a little of us! again!
If Downing (especially) and then Bentley continually waste crosses it’s no wonder we couldn’t score.
Leo
Mar 28, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Comment #6the press have picked that apart no doubt and will make it look like he is whinging and being an angry person towards capello