Keegan Backs Owen For England

Kevin Keegan has urged England manager Fabio Capello to start Michael Owen in a position where he can link the attacking force with the midfield. Keegan has recently let Owen drop back on the pitch, a role he has performed well in since Keegan started playing all three of his key strikers. Owen is yet to start under Capello despite an excellent International record of 40 goals in 89 appearances.

Keegan isn't alone in wondering why Capello hasnt played Owen from the start of both games he has managed, many of the fans and football pundits failed to understand the logic after England lost to France last month, he said:

"Michael Owen was superb. He's in a new position for us, linking the midfield and attack and people just don't realise how fit he is.

The Newcastle fans haven't seen him that much because of injuries but he's come back and played 20-odd games now.

He's our leader now and covers phenomenal distances during matches. He's a fantastic player and I didn't know how good he is when I had him with England.

I think he could offer Fabio Capello a real solution in the position he's playing.

He can win the ball back for us and burst forward into the box. He's scored in his last four matches before this so none of that has deserted him.

I think Capello, now that he hasn't got to qualify for anything for a while, should take a look at him there when he can.

People know how I rate Michael and I'm confident he's going to sign a new contract with us and be here for the next three or four years leading us."

Previously Owen has been accused of putting his country before his club in a move which saw him injured and sidelined for Newcastle for many months. However, since recovering he has been in good form and is playing well in the league.