Michael Owens twisted knee and subsequent World Cup exit, coming only weeks after recuperating from a previous injury was not only a personal set-back, but also ultimately a fatal blow to Englands World Cup hopes.
Sven-Goran Erikssons nonsensical squad selections for the World Cup left England not only light in the striker department, but also seriously comprised our chances of a successful tournament.
With only four strikers to choose from Eriksson always knew he was playing a dangerous game. This was compounded by the fact Rooney and Owen were returning from injury and Theo Walcott had never played a first team game for Arsenal.
But Owens injury will have hurt Eriksson. He took an unnecessary risk, overloading his squad with midfielders, assuming the goals would be shared amongst the team.
Michael Owen became an overnight sensation one humid evening in St Etienne during the France World Cup of 1998.
As a young eighteen-year-old, Owen scored a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the second round only for England to lose once again on penalties.
But he returned to Liverpool Football Club a national hero and England had found a...
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