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Eriksson backs Rio, warns Owen
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has declared his intention of recalling Rio Ferdinand to his squad for the two imminent World Cup qualifiers - but issued a warning to Michael Owen. Owen has hardly played for Real Madrid since his transfer from Liverpool during the summer, and Eriksson says the striker must show that he merits a place in the England starting line-up. "It’s not good for him, me or England if he plays too little," Eriksson said of Owen’s situation. "We’ll see if he plays on Sunday and then I want to see him in training." Owen has expressed concern himself about his limited use by Real and its implications for his future. Eriksson will assess his form when he joins the England camp for the games against Wales on 9 October and Azerbaijan on 13 October. Eriksson said: "You can see at once how a player is - whether they are down, whether they are sharp or whether they are in good form. Owen’s place is under threat from Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney. Tottenham striker Defoe’s excellent start to the season and his goal for England in the win over Poland in their last game puts him in pole position for selection. Asked if Defoe had a chance of starting against Wales on 9 October in the first of the two World Cup qualifiers, Eriksson said: "Of course." And Wayne Rooney’s return to action in sensational style with a hat-trick on his Manchester United debut in the Champions League against Fenerbahce has increased the pressure on Owen.. "I agree that forwards normally need games and to score goals to be at their best," said Eriksson. "That’s more or less always been the rule - at least until last Tuesday with Wayne Rooney!" But he added: "Michael is mentally very strong. He has always been the man for the big games and although he might sometimes not play to his best, he will still score goals for you. "But I will talk to him from Tuesday onwards and we will see what happens. "As a manager, you should try to be loyal to your players and I hope they are loyal to me. That is what respect is about. "But at some point, I can assure you that if I have one player in the squad who is better than someone who normally plays, then I would do something. "I don’t have favourites because I like someone. It’s all about trying to make the best possible team." Turning to his defence, Eriksson stated: "Of course Rio will be in." Ferdinand’s form since completing an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test has given the England coach a major boost. On the other hand, Eriksson expects to be without Wayne Bridge as well as Kieron Dyer and Steven Gerrard, who are definitely sidelined. Central defender Sol Campbell should return to increase the competition for places at the back., though it will be hard to drop Ledley King, and John Terry has also been doing well in central defence. |
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