Owen: I can deliver

England striker Michael Owen is confident he can deliver the goods if he is given the chance against Sweden in Tuesday‘s Group B clash.

Owen, who has yet to score in England‘s two group-stage games, has had his role in the World Cup so far questioned following his poor form against Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.

He could lose out against Sweden, with Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch challenging Owen for two of the three roles up front.

However, the Newcastle striker still believes he can rediscover his goalscoring touch.

He told Sky Sports: “In the last World Cup I didn‘t score early on, but then I scored in the next stage and in the quarter-final. I know I can do it. There is a belief inside me.

“Players have always been criticised [when they are out of form]. Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both had that.”

Owen claims he is feeling sharp and ready to strike fear into World Cup defenders‘ hearts.

“I‘ve had a long rest – unfortunately in the season [after breaking his foot] but I‘ve played a lot since. I feel good.”