England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Owen to miss testimonial

09 May 2006 - 08:53:26

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England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has told Michael Owen that he will not be able to play in Alan Shearer's testimonial match at St James' Park on Thursday.

The Newcastle United striker has been included in the England squad for this summer's World Cup Finals despite failing to start a game since New Years' Eve when he suffered a fractured metatarsal at Tottenham.

Owen was left out of Newcastle's Premiership clash with Chelsea on Sunday and had hoped to use the friendly against Celtic to improve his fitness levels.

However, Eriksson insisted: "I have told Michael he cannot play on Thursday.

"It would be the worst thing in the world if he was to break down in a testimonial game."

Eriksson has pencilled in Owen for the England B game against Belarus on May 25 and is also confident he will be able to play in the friendlies against Hungary and Jamaica.

Owen returned to action in April when he came on as a second-half substitute for Newcastle against Birmingham City but complained of soreness after the game, adding to concerns that he would not be ready to play in Germany.

However, Eriksson added: "Michael could have played (against Chelsea) on Sunday.

"I have no doubt he will be fit by the time the World Cup comes around but I don't know how match-fit he will be.

"It might be psychological. Knowing Michael Owen, he will be thinking about the World Cup and wanting to take part in it."