Eriksson not surprised by Owen goal

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was not surprised to see Michael Owen finally get on the scoresheet for Real Madrid.

The England striker’s first-half strike – a close-range effort from Ronaldo’s cross – earned Madrid a 1-0 win against Dynamo Kiev in Champions League group B last night, improving the Spaniards’ chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages.

Since his summer move from Liverpool, Owen has found it difficult to command a regular place in the Madrid side.

The 24-year-old’s form for the England team, though, has been much more positive.

Taking over from the injured David Beckham as captain for the World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan last week, it was Owen’s goal which secured a crucial 1-0 win for his country.

And Eriksson revealed that given the attitude the centre-forward had shown in training with England, it was only a matter of time before Owen broke his duck for Real Madrid.

“It was very good to see him play and score,” said Eriksson, on the Football Association’s official website, www.thefa.com

“It was an absolutely typical goal for him to score. He was quick, made a good run and finished cleverly.

“I must say that I wasn’t really surprised, though.

“Last week in training and in the matches he was as fit and lively as I’ve seen him for a long time.

“He did well for us in both matches and in the practice sessions you could see at once that he was very fresh and very hungry to play.

“He’s in good shape and his goal was very important for both him and for Real of course.

“Whenever people doubt him, they should just pick up a record book and see what he has done.

"The figures show everything. At 24 he still has a great career ahead of him.”

Owen believes his first goal will have a tremendous impact on his career at the Bernabeu, which will host next month’s friendly between Spain and England.

Eriksson reflected: “He is a striker, so this goal will mean confidence.

“When strikers score an important goal as this one was, their confidence goes up immediately.”