Exclusive Michael Owen Interview With Football365 HAVING scored the goal to save England's blushes in Casablanca albeit in a semi-conscious state Michael Owen took a step closer to a starting role in the World Cup. But while he is confident of delivering the goods at the very highest level, he wants the player he most admires - and his main rival for the title of England's strike hero in France - alongside him Alan Shearer. "As captain and our main striker, you couldn't find a more important player on the pitch than Alan Shearer," said Owen, who became England's youngest ever goalscorer with the winner in Morocco. "When he's playing well, he can win games. He always expects to score goals and you've got to be like that if you're going to succeed at international level. You've got to be confident and believe you are going to score in every game." That policy and overwhelming self-confidence has allowed Owen to flourish at the highest level and look totally at home against the defences of Chile, Cameroon, Switzerland, Portugal and Morocco. The only remaining test is how he would fare against the likes of Argentina, Germany and Brazil all possible opponents in the latter stages in France. But while Owen may have to step aside to allow Alan Shearer to partner Teddy Sheringham or Les Ferdinand in England's attack tonight, he knows that the injury to Ian Wright should ensure that the teenager from north Wales will play a major part in every group game. And the possibility of an injury to Shearer heaven forbid would plunge Owen into the starting line-up in France and give him the huge burden of carrying England's goalscoring expectations single-handedly. Not that he would find that a problem. "No player is irreplaceable in the England team. If anyone gets injured, then there's always another quality player to step in. There are good players everywhere and you need that in the World Cup. Games come quickly so if you get injuries, you need players who can come in and do a job. "You've got to have experience for a tournament as important as the World Cup and players likes Shearer and Tony Adams are great to have in your team. We're lucky to have players like that in our camp - you can put David Seaman and Paul Ince in that category too. Experienced players know how to handle difficult situations and that can be vital. "We've also got a very good team spirit. I haven't been in the squad for long but I've been made very welcome. Going to La Manga has been a great idea - it's brought us really close together so we can get to know each other better. Team spririt is important in tight games because you pull together to help each other come through."

SHILTON TELLS HODDLE: ‘STICK WITH GAZZA'   ENGLAND legend Peter Shilton has urged Glenn Hoddle to keep faith with Paul Gascoigne and dump Michael Owen on the bench. The former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, who won a record 125 caps for his country, reckons Hoddle simply has to pick Gazza. Despite his lucklustre display against Morocco when he was guilty of consistently giving the ball away, Shilton still believes the Middlesbrough midfielder is the man to lead England to glory this summer. He said: Paul Gascoigne should be in the side. I don't agree with some of his off-field adventures but that's the man he is - a one-off. No-one will remember that if he produces the goods on the field. But while the arguments rage about Gazza, most people now seem to believe that Owen should start the World Cup alongside Alan Shearer, particularly after his match-winning performance against the Moroccans. But Shilton, who played in the same England side as Hoddle many times, has urged his former teammates to stick with the Shearer-Sheringham duo and consign Owen to the role of super-sub. Shilton has no doubts about Owen's ability, but believes experience is England's best bet. He added: Owen reminds me very much of Gary Lineker and he could be just as successful. He's got pace that frightens goalkeepers and is also a great finisher. You can see him physically and mentally steadying himself before taking a shot. But the World Cup is a very demanding tournament. I think Glenn will start with experience and give Owen a chance later on he's still very young. Not everyone agrees with Shilton's softly-softly approach on Owen, though. England 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst reckons Owen should be in the team right from the start. He said: If I were Glenn I'd definitely start with him. He's scored goals at every level and there's no reason why he can't on the biggest stage of all. He's on top form and is easily the most consistent striker in the Premiership. His pace is electric and he frightens defenders.

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