Soccer: Owen named European Footballer of the Year

Liverpool's Michael Owen has been named European Footballer of the Year, ahead of Real Madrid's Raul and Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn.

The Liverpool striker finished top of a poll of journalists conducted by France Football.

Owen caught the world’s attention with his remarkable solo goal against Argentina at France ’98 and grabbed the headlines again this year after scoring a hat-trick in England’s 5-1 win over Germany in the World Cup qualifiers.

Manchester United's David Beckham came in fourth.