Fabio capello has said that Michael Owen presents him with his biggest nightmares. If the England manager was watching his tormentor tonight he will not sleep any easier in the nights leading up to naming his final world cup squad next year.
As the Manchester United forward scored his first hat trick in a united shirt against Wolfsburg with great aplomb he fully stated a strong case for his inclusion in the England squad for South Africa next year. What was more impressive for Owen was that it was a Champions league hat trick away from home which will further cast him into the spotlight and surely impress the England boss of his ability to still play at the highest level.
His three goals were a perfect and timely reminder that when it comes to movement and finishing he is still as effective as the young kid that burst onto the scene and announced himself at France 98. Tonight though, was not the first time the former Liverpool striker has shown Capello he still has what it takes to play for the three lions.
Owens winner in the Manchester derby back in September highlighted his ability to score chances in high profile matches and tonight’s hat trick also proved that. Apart from Rooney, Owen is the only other English striker who has a proven track record of playing scoring and performing at the highest levels of world football something that the other strikers in England’s roster cannot boast.
After being frozen out of the national team set up by Capello, Owen has not played for England since 2008 during an injury hit spell with Newcastle but he has said that playing for England is still very much in his sights and has admitted that playing for Manchester United and playing in competitions such as the Champions league can only enhance his chances.
He has enough compelling evidence to suggest he warrants a place on the plane to South Africa. No matter where Owen has played he has always maintained a respectable goal scoring record. With 211 goals in 438 appearances at club level meaning he boasts an almost 1 in 2 record and more importantly for England he has scored 40 goals in 89 caps.
Fabio Capello is more than aware of what Owen is capable of but the main concern is whether he is given the opportunity to portray it consistently. After all, the same threats have been echoed to Beckham that if he does not play regularly then he will not go.
While Owen has become just a squad player at United he will certainly be hoping that he could become a more peripheral figure in the second half of the season and prove his doubters wrong. Though united manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has not promised Owen a regular starting berth maybe not even he, on tonight’s showing, can deny the former Madrid striker the chance to perform on a more regular basis and help fire Manchester United and ultimately, England to possible glory in 2010.
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