Does Michael Owen deserve an England recall?
Michael Owen is England's most natural and prolific goalscorer. He is the country's fourth highest scorer of all time (40) and is the nation's leading finisher in competitive matches (26). However, with the arrival of Fabio Capello, and the Italian favouring a 4-5-1 formation, many have feared for the Newcastle striker's international career. But with two crucial World Cup qualifiers coming up, is it time for Capello to give Owen his starting place back?
After England's dismal showing against the Czech Republic, the former Real Madrid boss knows that he must get the World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flyer or face the wrath of the expectant England fans and media. Capello could boost his chances of success immeasurably by recalling Michael Owen to the squad.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker announced his arrival on the international scene in the 1998 World Cup with 'that' goal against Argentina. His blistering pace, strength and cool finish made him the most exciting forward in the world at the time. However, Owen's career has been blighted with injuries in recent seasons and they have undoubtedly robbed him of his speed. But Owen remains one of the greatest goalscorers on the planet and he has an acute football brain. He may not have the pace to burn modern day defenders but he has the ability to outfox them in order to be in the right place at the right time to put the ball in the back of the net. And for a short guy he doesn't half score a lot with his head.
Even at St James' Park, where he has only just made his 50th appearance for the club in three years, Owen has found the target 22 times. It just goes to show that Owen was born to score goals. If you give him a sniff of a chance the likelihood is that he will bury it.
Capello was at the Emirates on Saturday to watch Michael Owen as Newcastle took on Arsenal. Although the Magpies lost 3-0, Capello must have been impressed with striker. His passing was precise, his movement was impressive and if it wasn't for Ameobi failing to get out of the way he would have bagged his third goal in three games. And at 28, Owen has a lot more to offer England.
But what about Owen's rivals for an England spot. Jermain Defoe, who started up front against the Czechs, and Peter Crouch got their partnership at Portsmouth off to a winning start against Everton with both of them on the score sheet. Defoe scored twice against Trinidad and Capello obviously likes the look of him. Crouch meanwhile, like Owen, failed to feature in the Italian manager's last squad but would give him the height option if he needed to change the game.
Wayne Rooney is a massive talent but Capello doesn't appear to know how to utilise his qualities. The Manchester United striker hasn't found the target for his club this season and hasn't scored for England since losing to Russia in October 2007. Then you have Emile Heskey, who is the perfect foil for Owen but is the Italian likely to play Heskey and Owen together and drop Rooney? I don't think so. You also have Theo Walcott in the mix but he surely needs to impress further at club level before even thinking about joining up with the England squad.
West Ham's Dean Ashton has done his chances no harm. He scored twice on the opening day of the season and has looked much sharper and hungrier than in the second half of last season. But this is the time for Capello to lead with his experienced charges and they don't come much more experienced than Owen.
Michael Owen has recovered from a bout of mumps over the summer and looks on top form. England need two results against Andorra and Croatia but will Capello put his faith in the Newcastle hot-shot?
* Calling all England fans. Do you think Michael Owen deserves to be recalled? Who would you like to see play up front against Andorra and Croatia? What team and formation would you pick for the crucial games? We'd love to hear from you.
