© EuroFootball.com
The striker of the England national team and Real Madrid club, Michael Owen, is defending himself from criticism he faced after the sensational draw of the national team with Austria. The 24-year-old player was criticized by both the press and even by several assistants of the national team coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
After poorly played matches, not only M. Owen but also the goalkeeper D. James and the defender D. Beckham, who made serious mistakes, received criticism. Criticism of the players also brought up this year's European Championship, which was not successful for all three players.
M. Owen himself admits that he is no longer as fast as he used to be: "I don't think I am 100 percent as fast as I was before I got injured," the player said. "However, in my opinion, I am fast enough. If someone thinks I shouldn't be in the starting lineup, that's okay. But I look in the mirror and I am completely satisfied with both my role in the team and my performance."
Although neither M. Owen nor D. Beckham played as expected in the European Championship, it is worth remembering that it was M. Owen who made two productive and excellent assists, after which Wayne Rooney scored easy goals. The striker himself stood out once.
D. Beckham was harshly criticized for missing two penalty kicks in the European Championship, but it is important not to forget about his precise passes and decent game organization.
