Off Form Owen Expects The Chop

Last updated : 16 June 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor

Owen accepts he could be left out of the starting line-up for the final World Cup group game against Sweden. He was substituted early in the second half after disappointing performances in both England's opening Group B victories over Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.

With Peter Crouch on the scoresheet against Paraguay and Wayne Rooney fit and available again, Owen - short of his best after recovering from a broken metatarsal - could miss out.

Owen: "I'm not worried. If I'm sat on the bench, I'm sat on the bench. I've been on the bench in my career before.

"If the manager thinks that is the right thing, then he'll obviously do it. That's football.

"We've got 23 players and if I'm on the bench then so be it."