Let's See Owen Playing For Toon ... Never Mind England!

Last updated : 30 August 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Terry Venables believes Owen (and Wayne Rooney) can provide England's missing firepower - as long as coach Fabio Capello lays down some strict groundrules.

Former national-team boss Venables insists they are "two of the greatest strikers in the world".

Venables: "The biggest accusation being thrown at Rooney at the moment is that he is constantly playing out of position. One minute he's haring up and down the wings, next he's in midfield, then he's at right-back, left-back.

"That's just about everything you can be on a football pitch except being the one thing we all want him to be - an out-and-out striker.

"If Capello is going to let Owen and Rooney grow into the partnership I believe they can become, then areas of the pitch have to become no-go areas for Rooney.

"Okay, I agree, they haven't exactly set the world alight yet.

"But when two players are so gifted and so rich in natural talent, then it only takes a few minor adjustments for the fireworks to start."