- My Account
- Logout
- Register
- Login
Don't expect a hatful of goals in Estonia - a win is enough, insists Owen
Related Articles
06 June 2007
Steve McClaren's side need all three points to revive their hopes of reaching next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland - and anything less than a win may leave the England head coach's position untenable.
Scroll down for more
Don't expect too much: Michael Owen will be happy enough just to win
But statistics indicate that Estonia will be no pushovers, despite losing all six qualifiers and failing to score a goal in the process.
They have only let in 11 goals in six games, including four in Israel when ravaged by injuries and suspensions, and at the weekend group leaders Croatia earned a narrow 1-0 win.
Owen said: "We need to win. If we do win, it will be a great result. But Estonia can defend all right because they only seem to lose by one or two goals as was shown against Croatia at the weekend.
"They are going to defend and we have seen it before when travelling to these sort of teams.
"If we get an early goal, we might be able to win by more than one goal but if we don't it will be like most games and the sooner everyone understands these games away from home are tough, the better."
Owen revealed the determination in the England camp to put in a professional performance after being booed by fans during the previous qualifier with Andorra.
He said: "Our opponents are always up for games - but I don't think there is any team that has got the bit between the teeth like our lads.
"They take a lot of stick at times, sometimes unfairly. I don't think anyone can question the heart they've got. If anything, the lads try too hard."
The majority of the England players will take a much-needed break after tonight in the aftermath of an 11-month season following the World Cup last summer.
But Owen would welcome the chance to carry on playing after only just returning to action after recovering from his long-term knee injury.
The Newcastle player said: "I want the season to continue because I've only just started playing again and I've got great enthusiasm for the game.
"A lot of the players are looking forward to holidays after a long season. I am looking forward to playing."
Comments
Top stories in Sport
Top stories in Sport
-
Locked up and banned: The Tube drunk whose vile racist rant was caught on film (video)
-
British housewife facing FIRING SQUAD over Bali drugs smuggling charge was 'neighbour from hell' -
London 2012 Olympics: Raising the bar and the Games haven't even started yet. Price of toasting Team GB is £6 a pint! -
Video: Intruder bursts into Leveson Inquiry to brand Tony Blair a war criminal -
Ken Clarke: Tories demanding EU poll are extreme nationalists
-
First victory for campaign to save famous pie and mash shop -
'Normal' clothes inspire new designer at Central Saint Martins fashion show -
Usain Bolt is quick to tell fans he’ll be lightning fast again -
Invasion of the book snatchers: Brent Council sneaks into Kensal Rise library at 2am to strip it bare -
Video: Is this the World's most OTT marriage proposal? Hilarious film
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
A home to be proud of with Halifax
Download the Halifax's brilliant, free new Home Finder app, and take all the pain out of finding your dream home.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Celebrate with MARTINI®
This weekend toast one royal with another and make your Jubilee sparkle with a MARTINI Royale.
Reader Offers email A fantastic selection of
offers, giveaways and
promotions.
Hulk to Chelsea is '90 per cent done'
TV Baftas - in pictures