England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90000

Lamps backing for Owen

18 Jun 2006 - 10:28:38

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Frank Lampard has backed Michael Owen to boost England's chances of winning the World Cup by hitting peak form at the right time.

Owen is still struggling for match fitness after a five-month lay-off with a foot injury and was substituted during England's first two games at the finals after performing poorly.

Lampard admitted the Newcastle United striker has not been at his best in Germany, but insisted he has complete faith in a player who has netted 36 international goals.

"If one of Michael's chances had gone in, we'd all be saying what we already know - that Michael's a world-class goalscorer who scores when it matters," said the Chelsea midfielder.

"Michael's never let us down before and he won't let us down.

"The main pressure Michael will be under will be what he puts on himself - he gets upset when he's not scoring goals.

"That's what makes him what he is. He's going to be desperate to get them and I'm sure he will do."