Post by Taxigirl on Oct 12, 2005 8:37:19 GMT
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Michael Owen has admitted England are "desperate" to end their World Cup qualification programme on a high note against Poland tonight.
But the Newcastle striker also claimed events at Old Trafford and subsequent friendly internationals would have little bearing on how Sven-Goran Eriksson's side perform next summer.
Stand-in captain Owen, deputising for the suspended David Beckham, is confident England will attain heights not seen in their opening four matches of the 2005/2006 campaign when they head for Germany next June.
But in the mean time the former Real Madrid star wants to give supporters a lift and reaffirm a belief in the players which has been knocked after disappointing displays against Denmark, Wales, Northern Ireland and Austria.
Owen said: "Because of what has happened over the last few games we are desperate for a performance against Poland.
"You get the feeling that now we have qualified the performance has got a bit more significance and we are all keen to perform well.
"We want, more so than ever, to put on a good display. The country does need a boost. The fans and the manager deserve a good performance and the players owe it to themselves to put one on as well.
"Now we have qualified for Germany hopefully we can relax a bit more and it will not be quite so result-orientated.
"If it is a flat performance there will be more criticism but it won't change the chances that we've got of winning the World Cup.
"We'll get to the World Cup next June and be seriously focused, playing really top teams. But you look at the players in our squad and you know we are not going to lie down to anyone.
"Whatever happens [against Poland] won't affect our chances in the World Cup. No matter what our form is like going into the World Cup we will produce against the big teams. I am sure of that."
Owen added: "Hopefully, from this game and the friendlies coming up, we can gain a bit more confidence and generate a bit of a buzz around the country again.
"But it's about getting everyone to the World Cup fit and healthy and then you will see us perform. If we win these next few games well, obviously our odds will halve and everyone will think we are going to win it.
"If we maybe draw or lose a couple of the friendlies expectations will be lower. Personally I don't think it will make as big a difference as some people think what happens."
Rio Ferdinand will return to the side in place of the injured Sol Campbell after being dropped against Austria and Owen insisted there was no complacency among players about their places in the squad.
"We like to think the manager wouldn't need to drop someone to get a response. We are playing for our country and it's a massive honour to do that," he said.
"Sven had a big decision to make at the back in Saturday's game and he made that decision. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that if the manager needs to make a decision, he will do that.
"That's what he gets paid to do and everyone knows that's what he will do. No-one's place is safe."
Wayne Rooney will be back after suspension and England will hope he can recapture his performances of Euro 2004, with Owen willing to help him as much as he can.
"I try to give him as much space as possible. We all know what a good player he is. A lot of our game is geared to getting the best out of him. He is a fantastic player," added Owen.
"If I'm playing, I try to make him look as good as possible by pulling defenders away from him and stretch them as much as possible.
"We all know that Wayne is dangerous in that 'hole' role, running at players, shooting from distance, passing the ball, bits of skill, etc."
Michael Owen has admitted England are "desperate" to end their World Cup qualification programme on a high note against Poland tonight.
But the Newcastle striker also claimed events at Old Trafford and subsequent friendly internationals would have little bearing on how Sven-Goran Eriksson's side perform next summer.
Stand-in captain Owen, deputising for the suspended David Beckham, is confident England will attain heights not seen in their opening four matches of the 2005/2006 campaign when they head for Germany next June.
But in the mean time the former Real Madrid star wants to give supporters a lift and reaffirm a belief in the players which has been knocked after disappointing displays against Denmark, Wales, Northern Ireland and Austria.
Owen said: "Because of what has happened over the last few games we are desperate for a performance against Poland.
"You get the feeling that now we have qualified the performance has got a bit more significance and we are all keen to perform well.
"We want, more so than ever, to put on a good display. The country does need a boost. The fans and the manager deserve a good performance and the players owe it to themselves to put one on as well.
"Now we have qualified for Germany hopefully we can relax a bit more and it will not be quite so result-orientated.
"If it is a flat performance there will be more criticism but it won't change the chances that we've got of winning the World Cup.
"We'll get to the World Cup next June and be seriously focused, playing really top teams. But you look at the players in our squad and you know we are not going to lie down to anyone.
"Whatever happens [against Poland] won't affect our chances in the World Cup. No matter what our form is like going into the World Cup we will produce against the big teams. I am sure of that."
Owen added: "Hopefully, from this game and the friendlies coming up, we can gain a bit more confidence and generate a bit of a buzz around the country again.
"But it's about getting everyone to the World Cup fit and healthy and then you will see us perform. If we win these next few games well, obviously our odds will halve and everyone will think we are going to win it.
"If we maybe draw or lose a couple of the friendlies expectations will be lower. Personally I don't think it will make as big a difference as some people think what happens."
Rio Ferdinand will return to the side in place of the injured Sol Campbell after being dropped against Austria and Owen insisted there was no complacency among players about their places in the squad.
"We like to think the manager wouldn't need to drop someone to get a response. We are playing for our country and it's a massive honour to do that," he said.
"Sven had a big decision to make at the back in Saturday's game and he made that decision. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that if the manager needs to make a decision, he will do that.
"That's what he gets paid to do and everyone knows that's what he will do. No-one's place is safe."
Wayne Rooney will be back after suspension and England will hope he can recapture his performances of Euro 2004, with Owen willing to help him as much as he can.
"I try to give him as much space as possible. We all know what a good player he is. A lot of our game is geared to getting the best out of him. He is a fantastic player," added Owen.
"If I'm playing, I try to make him look as good as possible by pulling defenders away from him and stretch them as much as possible.
"We all know that Wayne is dangerous in that 'hole' role, running at players, shooting from distance, passing the ball, bits of skill, etc."