Owen: 'We Have Quality But Don't Show It Enough'

Last updated : 13 September 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
ENGLAND: Robinson, Richards, Ferdinand, Terry, Ashley Cole,Wright-Phillips, Barry, Gerrard, Joe Cole (Neville 88),Heskey (Crouch 80), Owen (Downing 90).
Subs Not Used: James, Brown, Smith, Johnson.

RUSSIA: Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich,Alexei Berezutsky, Aniukov (Kerzhakov 80), Bilyaletdinov,Zhirkov, Semshov (Bystrov 40), Sychev (Pavluchenko 63),Arshavin, Zurianov.
Subs Not Used: Shunin, Torbinsky, Pogrebniak, Kolodin.
Att: 86,106


Owen was the star of the 3-0 win on Wednesday evening at Wembley, scoring two goals as England moved into second place in the group table.

But the Newcastle striker is aware that obtaining a positive result against Russia in the return game in Moscow next month is nothing short of "a must"!

He saw enough from Guus Hiddink's side in defeat to suggest the rematch will be far from a formality.

Owen: "We knew it would be harder against Russia than against Israel at the weekend. We had fewer chances but were more clinical.

"But, even though we defeated Russia 3-0, they weren't bad and I am sure it will be really tough in Moscow.

"Although we played well, they did cause us a few problems and we are well aware of the threat they will possess in just over a month's time.

"We couldn't have asked for anymore out of the 10 days together. We would have snapped people's hands off if they said we would win both games.

"We lost to Germany but always said these two games were the important ones and we produced when it mattered. We know we've got the quality. All too often, we haven't shown it.

"To win them both 3-0 is a massive confidence boost. We are in a much healthier position in the group than we were a couple of weeks ago.

"It's not often you get to enjoy a game with England and can take your foot off the gas but we've done that in the last two matches.

"But there is still plenty of work to be done."