England and Owen prompt worry at home

LONDON, June 21: Relief and concern greeted England's 2-2 World Cup draw with Sweden in the British media tday; relief the side had topped their group and concern over a poor defensive display and the loss of Michael Owen.

Owen, England's top scorer, twisted his knee in the first minute of the game and was carried off. He had only recently returned after four months out with a broken foot.

The striker is to undergo a scan tday but looks unlikely to return in the tournament.

''Everyone's gutted he won't play again in the World Cup,'' England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC radio.

Former England striker and Newcastle team mate Alan Shearer added: ''I've had a text off him saying he's in a lot of pain.'' Newspapers were delighted at a masterly first-half display and fine goal from Chelsea winger Joe Cole.

The Daily Mirror said Joe Cole lit up England's World Cup campaign but inside it trumpeted ''2nd half 2nd rate'' and described the team as a ''ragged, shapeless mess''.

The Times said England had found the easier route through the knockout stage by avoiding hosts Germany in the second round and a probable quarter-final matchup with Argentina but added: ''it is probably not easy enough''.

''There was collective desperation at times in England's ranks'' The Times said, pointing to blunders in the usually composed defence that led to Sweden's two goals.

''England limp on as Owen hobbles out,'' it said.

Owen's injury resurrected the debate about manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's decision to take only four strikers, two of whom, Owen and Wayne Rooney, were returning from injury and one, 17-year-old Theo Walcott had yet to play even a Premier League game.

''We've got to hope it doesn't come back to haunt us,'' former England manager Graham Taylor told BBC radio.

REUTERS

Related Stories
England play out exciting draw with SwedenEngland need defensive homework, admits Eriksson
More World Cup stories
Groups and Standings
World Cup Schedule
World Cup Participating Countries