By Sarah Smithon Wednesday, 21 Jun 2006 Michael Owen will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury during England's 2-2 draw against Group B rivals Sweden last night.
Owen, who has scored at all the major tournaments he has appeared in, slipped over in the opening minute of the match and his knee gave way beneath him.
"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble," he said, after being stretchered off with his arm covering his face.
Manager Sven Goran Eriksson is now left with a dilemma as his remaining strikers include Wayne Rooney, who has only just recovered from a broken foot, and the inexperienced 17-year-old Theo Walcott, who has never even played in a Premiership match.
However, Sven has headed off criticism by suggesting that Steven Gerrard or Joe Cole could play up front if need be. Also, Rooney's return from injury, which happened more quickly than expected, is good news for the England side and the team's star striker showed flashes of brilliance during his 69-minute appearance.
Last night's draw means that they pass through to the second round as winners of Group B and will face Ecuador in their next match.
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