Michael Owen burst onto the international football stage with what can only be described as a wonder goal against Argentina in the World Cup. He sure was fast at this stage of his career and could leave the majority of defenders for dead. Many people believed that the future for Michael, his football club and the national team was a bright one.

At this stage I should point out that I am not and have not ever been involved with professional football. In my working life I am involved with how to stop stuttering, composite doors and also offering advice on business cost cutting.

Going back to Owen, he played for Liverpool for many years and scored lots and lots and goals. A couple of years ago he moved clubs to Real Madrid. At Madrid he did not in my opinion seem to get much a chance, however his goals to games ratio was still very impressive. During this period Michael started to have a few problems with niggly injuries. For whatever reason this player has been unable to stay free from injury for any great length of time~For whatever reason this player has been unable to stay free from injury for any great length of time}. Last season he moved clubs again with a big money move to Newcastle United. This saw the prospect of him teaming up again with Alan Shearer. Owen however has played only a handful of games for his new club due to his fitness levels.

It seems that Owen is now on his way back and think that Michael is way past his best, I think that due to the fact that he is not getting any younger and all of the injuries he has sustained, that he has without doubt lost some of his electric pace. He is however and should remain for a number of years to come a potent and top striker but whether he is still world class remains to be seen.

Michael Owen has never in my opinion let England down. Michael just seems to have that nack of being in the right place at the right time; that is of course what has made him into the World class striker that he once was and what some people still think he is – just ask Sir Alex Ferguson for example. I would prefer to see Michael come off the bench for say the last thirty-five minutes of matches instead of starting the games. I think England should have lanky Peter Crouch with another pacy striker such as Theo Walcott to really rough up and bruise the opposition. Michael could then come on when they are starting to become a bit weary.

I do not think Michael Owen has lost any of his passion or desire to play for club or country. In fact I think the opposite is true. He will be itching to get back to somewhere near his best and will be very determined to help his country to win the World Cup.