Ferdinand: Owen to become England's top marksman

Rio Ferdinand has given a ringing endorsement of Michael Owen’s importance to England’s World Cup bid and is convinced the striker will eventually become his country’s record goalscorer.

Owen could continue his comeback from a broken metatarsal in tonight’s penultimate warm-up international with Hungary at Old Trafford after completing an hour of the B international with Belarus.

He gave England an unwanted scare yesterday when requiring a scan on a slight thigh problem, although he could be available for tonight’s friendly against the Hungarians.

The Newcastle player, 26, could be operating in a lone striker role as there are indications Steven Gerrard is likely to be given licence to roam from midfield in a 4-5-1 formation.

Ferdinand, the 27-year-old Manchester United centre-back, said: “Owen is a fantastic poacher, scores goals at any given time and, in a big match, you can rely on someone like Michael.

“He might not see the ball for 89 minutes but in the 90th minute he will create or score the goal you need.”