On reputation and past deeds, no question.
On current form though, its a tougher case to make. But then again, we're hardly overflowing with quality England forwards.
Yes. Without doubt. His current form although worrying must have quite a lot to do with the fact he's playing in a crap team. I was worried it about the moment he signed for Newcastle. Big mistake Mr Owen.
There is sadly a dearth of decent Englush strikers but wuth his record you wouldn't not pick him, he's always been there for England in the really big occasions, and you wouldn't bet against him doing it in the future.
Owen was dreadful tonight. He contributed absolutely nothing whatsoever, apart from the scrambled equaliser. Now you could argue that that is what he is there for, and that alone justifies his inclusion for England....but I'm not sure it'll be enough for the watching Capello.
Disagree, given this is Newcastle we're talking about.Owen's goal tonight lacked his usual flare, but he was there for the scramble. They didn't even use Smith tonight and if that's what it took for England to qualify or win, then I say play em.
Its not the "quality" of Owens goal I'm talking about DP.
His all-round game was dreadful. He wasn't making the runs, escaping his marker, providing an outlet or retaining possession. His contribution inside and outside the box was precisely zilch APART from the goal. Obviously the goal was a hugely important factor for Newcastle given their situation. But Capello is hardly going to be reinstating him on the strength of that kind of performance.
Top 20 prem (English) goal scorers this season so far are
Pos. Player Goals Team
9 Steven Gerrard 11 Liverpool
12 Jermain Defoe 10 Portsmouth
12 Frank Lampard 10 Chelsea
16 Wayne Rooney 8 Manchester United
19 Gabriel Agbonlahor 7 Aston Villa
Defoe for me is looking much better than Owen at the moment !!!
in the squad but he needs some goal scoring consistancy to become first chioce again. im pretty certain he will leave Newcastle in the summer regardlesss of their position. where to is the only question. Portsmouth? Everton or maybe Arsenal? cant see him going to the other top three.
defoe... problem ive always had is he was a little timid on the national stage and didnt push up on the defnse like Owen does. if he can sort that out he's first choice on current form. or (deep breaths...) andy johnson you need someone who can keep the defense on the edge of their box rather than filling up the midfield.
I would pick him for sure.
Not only because he NEVER lets England down when he plays and his record is phenomenal, but simply there isnt a better option in my opinion.
You ask Ronney, Lampard, Gerrard etc who thye would want up front and they will all giove you the same answer Owen.