Owen retains Euro hope
Owen believes England can still qualify for Euro 2008
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Wednesday, 14, Nov 2007 10:33
Michael Owen believes England can still qualify for Euro 2008 and urged his team-mates to maintain their focus ahead of the friendly against Austria.
Owen said that the squad must not be distracted by events that are beyond their control, despite having their qualifying hopes carried by another side.
England must hope that Israel are able to hold Russia to at least a draw if they are to maintain any hope of qualifying for next summer's tournament.
The Newcastle striker admitted: "It could be a difficult week for us, but we are trying to block out certain things and make sure we are in the right frame of mind if things go our way on Saturday."
Owen insisted that Friday's friendly against Austria would be vital preparation for their clash with Croatia on Wednesday and that they must not become distracted from their own task.
He said: "While the game against Croatia is the important one, we also have a game on Friday in Austria and that is a game for our country and we have to prepare in the right way."
The 27-year-old says England must be primed and ready to pounce should the match between Israel and Russia go their way.
"In the bigger picture Wednesday is the bigger game and we have to believe that if we win that then we will qualify, we have to think that," said Owen.
"The Austria game is a serious game and a good preparation and we have to make sure we are ready to pounce if things go our way."
Owen has netted three times in England's last four games and will need to be in similar form if the side is to progress to the European Championships.