International roundup

By Jeb
October 17 2005

With the current injury crisis at Newcastle at the moment, Graeme Souness must have been praying that all of his players returned to Tyneside unscathed following international duty.

Michael Owen was on the scoresheet for England as they beat Poland 2-1 at Old Trafford. Owen took his tally of competitive England goals to 22, equalling his boyhood hero Gary Lineker's record. The goal itself was an instinctive reaction to a low shot that came in to the area, with Owen having just enough time to adjust his feet to backheel the ball between the defender on the line's legs.

Centre back Jean-Alain Boumsong, who has been criticised for his recent United performances, played for the whole of France's 4-0 annihalation of Cyprus. This confirmed their place in the World Cup next summer, and the defender did not pick up any knocks on his outing.

Meanwhile Emre made his competitive return from injury when he came on as a second half substitute for Turkey against Albania. News is that he could well be included in the squad on Saturday for our trip to Wigan, although a starting place seems unlikely due to lack of match practice. Turkey went on to win the game 1-0, which has put them in the playoffs.

However it was not such a good night for defensive duo Stephen Carr and Shay Given, who despite keeping a clean sheet for Ireland, had their World Cup dreams ended for another few years. They were required to win to force their way in to the playoffs, however they could only manage a fighting 0-0 draw at home to Switzerland. Both players are set to start against Wigan.

In U21 news, emerging prospect Steven Taylor netted a brace for manager Peter Taylors young English side, and returned to Newcastle saying he desperately wants to score his first goal for his hometown club. Due to the absence of Bramble on Saturday, Taylor looks set to make another Premiership start for the Magpies.