Owen: I'll never quit England duty
Michael Owen has insisted he would "never" give up hope of an England recall.
Owen's Three Lions career looks to be all but over, with the striker having not played for his country for four-and-a-half years. But the man who is England's fifth top scorer with 40 goals from 89 caps has no intention of announcing his international retirement.
"I'd never do that, really," said the Stoke striker, who has not started a first-team match for almost a year. "But I certainly don't go to bed thinking I'm going to be playing for England again."
Owen was eager to resume his international career, despite claiming there was "a long list" of England players who were paralysed by fear when when turning out for their country.
The 32-year-old revealed he knew of former team-mates who were scared stiff of criticism of their performances and of being jeered by their own fans.
Speaking at the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge, Owen said: "I've heard many people in the past leading up to England games, or after England games, talking about what the papers are going to say the next day about them, or how they're going to get booed.
"It's a very intense feeling playing for your country and I don't think people can express themselves, or I don't think people do express themselves, as well as they can or they do at club level.
"At that level, you feel loved, the fans are on your side, you're used to playing with the players week in, week out.
"All of a sudden, you go away with England and it's a little bit, 'As long as I do all right', 'I don't want to be criticised so much'."
He added: "There's got to be a reason and I would say that fear certainly plays a part in that."
Quick Links
Latest News
- Royal visit 'charade' as work at Staffordshire Place is covered up
- Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy in talks with university bosses over Stafford site future
- Failed judicial review over controversial Hixon planning application bid to cost thousands
- Drink in the atmosphere ... Tickets on sale for Wildlife Trust food and beer festival
Latest Sport
Olympic legacy for local sports clubs
- Jewish businesswoman Sam Caldicott slams anti-HS2 group for 'disgusting' video
- Stafford Hospital A&E consultant calls for 'an end to mud-slinging'
- Shoppers mourn loss of town centre "flagship" store
- Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy calls for an end to 'hospital bitterness' after incidents mar peaceful protest
- Police aim to deliver a car crushing blow
- Volunteers sought for Stone clean up operation
Today's Features
Theatre
Paul Foot brings his Words to Wolverhampton
10 of the Best
10 of the Best... Japanese inspired pieces
Green Living
Is it time to charge for plastic bags?
Real Weddings
Celtic touches
Food and Drink
From local restaurant to Mayor of London
