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Eriksson Saying Owen Is Just Fine

Sven-Goran Eriksson, coach of the national England soccer team, is having a rough on his way to Germany, with key player Wayne Rooney`s injury and many critics saying that England isn`t ready for World Cup 2006`s challenges. Eriksson on his part believes that England is more than capable, and answered critics regarding Michael Owen`s performance.

Eriksson insists that Owen will show remarkable skills in Germany, and that he will play on a completely different note than his injury-struggling playing during his season. Owen wasn`t looking at his best during England`s warm-up matches, and many eyebrows were raised. Eriksson is saying that Owen`s condition will change when the tournament starts next week.

"I am not worried about Michael Owen. I`ve known him for more than five years. It`s very important for Michael to have the game he had last week, this one against Hungary, and the game he will play on Saturday. When it comes to the World Cup, the music is different for Michael Owen. It has always been like that. He doesn`t go into hard tackles at the moment, and I agree with him about that, but he will when it`s the World Cup." Eriksson was quoted saying last week.