Does he? Rooney's a cert, and Cole and Heskey are likely to go regardless of form due to the type of players they are and the system we're playing. That leaves you with a maximum of 2 spots up for grabs and I certainly wouldn't say he's one of the next two deserving. Right now Defoe and Agbonlahor would take those 2 spots.
Owen for England?
- Thread starter psd99
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Does he? Rooney's a cert, and Cole and Heskey are likely to go regardless of form due to the type of players they are and the system we're playing. That leaves you with a maximum of 2 spots up for grabs and I certainly wouldn't say he's one of the next two deserving. Right now Defoe and Agbonlahor would take those 2 spots.
Caporegime
Agbonlahor has never scored for England, I don't see why he should take that spot. He's good but like a lot of the other names mentioned he hasn't produced on the international stage yet. Defoe is a dead cert though.
But if Rooney isn't fit you don't play a Defoe or an Owen, you play a Milner or a Joe Cole; someone who can play that role. Defoe and Owen both play off the last man, and would require a 4-4-2.
Soldato
I'm not convinced by Agbonlahor at all, so I'd be taking Owen in his place.
He's not had a chance for England yet but he's playing regular football for Villa and he's playing well. He's also capable of filling in the Heskey role or even on the right hand side if needed.
Owen on the other hand has not played regular football for a good few years nor does he fit in anywhere in the system that we play, neither does Defoe.
The system we're playing looks set in stone and we don't need, and I'm sure Capello won't pick 2 strikers of his 4/5 that don't fit into the system so it's between him and Defoe imo.
Having thought a bit more about it, he's not done anything particularly deserving of being in the national team, but then I thought about the alternatives, and it has to be said that he is just .. better than the likes of Heskey, Cole and Agbonlahor. I'd start Defoe ahead of him though (current form alone)
Soldato
How many games has he played though? 3? 4? He's still inexperienced internationally, give him time and he'll come good.
Caporegime
"2006: Here's a good stat: Michael Owen has scored four goals in the Champions League group stage. So have Liverpool."
I laughed
I laughed
"2006: Here's a good stat: Michael Owen has scored four goals in the Champions League group stage. So have Liverpool."
I laughed
Just for that he should go to the World Cup
Caporegime
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I would take him if there weren't as many more worthy of their place. If Owen was playing more often and playing to his top form, then without a doubt.
Soldato
I think the thing with Owen is that despite his supposed fitness issues, he is a player with experience at the highest level both in the World Cup and Club competition. Proven Pedigree or whatever cliche you want to use, Owen is usually cool in those situations. Put it this way, if it's 0-0 in the last minute against of a Quater Final against Germany/Spain/Brazil/Argentina kind of side, I would put money on Owen scoring in a 1 on 1 rather than bottling it.
So with some of the names being mentioned, I think he could do a job as an impact sub. He is not going to take that place next to Rooney. Which I still think is up for grabs. Crouch does not and never has cut it for me and Heskey while being a good foil for Rooney offers nothing against a well organised and technically proficient defence. Defoe on current form is worth a punt also.
If Owen can be forcing Fergie to play him every 2nd or 3rd game and he is scoring then I think his experience on the pitch on the bench and in the dressing room will be invaluable
So with some of the names being mentioned, I think he could do a job as an impact sub. He is not going to take that place next to Rooney. Which I still think is up for grabs. Crouch does not and never has cut it for me and Heskey while being a good foil for Rooney offers nothing against a well organised and technically proficient defence. Defoe on current form is worth a punt also.
If Owen can be forcing Fergie to play him every 2nd or 3rd game and he is scoring then I think his experience on the pitch on the bench and in the dressing room will be invaluable
Soldato
I think its a given that Owen wouldnt be starting the games if he were to go.
Great theory but Owen's never been at his best as a sub and it would be Defoe who you'd be bringing on with 20mins to go because he's not going to be starting.
If Owen was fully fit, playing regular football and we were playing a different system where he could start then I'd take him and probably start him ahead of even the likes of Defoe despite form because he's a big game player and has a habit of scoring when it matters, but he's not going to start and he's not a great impact player that people seem to be suggesting.
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Caporegime
the only reason Heskey would be anywhere near the plane to africa would be if he was loading the bags onto the plane.
why people think he is a good option is a joke!
I'd take owen over crouch or heskey.
why people think he is a good option is a joke!
I'd take owen over crouch or heskey.
Owen, Couch and Heskey.
3 very different players. Owen's problem is that Defoe is better than him.
Soldato
5 who I think should go...
Rooney
C.Cole
Crouch
Defoe
Owen
Shame that Heskey will take one of those places
Rooney
C.Cole
Crouch
Defoe
Owen
Shame that Heskey will take one of those places
Man of Honour
If he's fit and playing regularly, then he'll certainly be scoring regularly, so I think he would have to go. He just has a knack for scoring goals, more so than anyone else we have IMO. If he's playing and fit, he has to be there.
