Why is Owen Hargreaves in the England squad?
537889
Because he lives and plays in Germany week in, week out, Sven wanted to make sure there was at least one player who could get the beers in with confidence at the bar! ;-)\n\nIt's not as baffling a choice as Walcott though. I don't think he's got the quality to start, but he's definitely a versatile player, and a good addition to squad if someone gets injured out there. Aside from being able to play right across the midfield positions (though at wide left, Downing is a better choice) he can also play right back, which is good cover for Neville. So in terms of the squad, I'm glad he's there and with 29 caps for England already, he's got the experience.
1035673
His not English his Canadian and his not the best defender England or he be playing there every week his only 1 of 6 world class player's who play there.\ni think its because he plays in Germany week in and out and knows what its like over there.
526003
No kidding.  How many goals does he plan to score?  Probably no Rooney, limited Owen at best.  Crouch is just tall, but there are plenty of midfielders to cross it to him.  After Crouch, Walcott and a bunch of other teenagers in reserve with one cap between them. Good luck to the English.  Probably will not win their group and may not make it to the round of 16 at all.
449050
Do you people know what you're on about!?!?!?!?! He's Englands best left back by a mile! He's been out for most of the season and played 90 minutes on wednesday in a reserve game. He won't be risked against Spurs as Arsenals defence are playing well. He will probably be on the bench for last game of the season then play 2 England friendlies thus proving his fitness for the world cup, which we are going to win by the way!
104236
Yes, they he is really good, and what Liverpool really need right now is a good finisher, their problem through the whole season was the lack of a good finisher with a natural goal scoring ability, this thin implies perfectly on Owen, he is one of the best finishers, he would be a greeaaaat addition to the squad
1126201
Yeah for sure.\n\nIt sounds like we're gonna start the game with Rooney and Owen up front, and they're both sick-notes at the moment and will probably last about 60 minutes each.  Hopefully when he subs one of these off he will bring Walcott on for a run.\n\nSven's also on about not playing either Gerrard or Lampard because they both have a yellow card, so I'd like to see Carrick get a game, but you just know he's gonna play (the useless for England) Hargeaves
655042
I guess its because player positioning is still rather static.\n\nIt also gives commentators, managers, supporters and spectators a contextual reference point for a players position - Michael Owen is a striker and so by definition (without seeing the game) you would expect him to spend most of his time in the opposing half.\n\nThe game has got slightly more complex with the introduction of newly established formations - unlike the more common 4-4-2 - and so this has given rise to the creation of new player-position descriptions (i.e. wing backs are a more attacking-minded full-back).\n\nYou can also note the use of less anachronistic terms in the modern game (like a player who players "in the hole behind the striker"), but again these all are used for player-positional reference on the pitch.
513813
I think if luck goes our way for once, and our best players remain fit then we have a cracking chance of winning the World Cup. Wayne Rooney is a-list, as we all know.  However, England have other superb players, who can shine on the World Stage. Gerrard, Lampard, Terry, Cole, the list goes on. So may of our best players have had really good seasons, and won trophies. I think that Owen will be a massive hero this summer. Come on!
422827
Heskey!? You must be blind! Shouldn't be playing in the bloody premiership (and isn't haha), let alone for england - strikers will be Owen (despite crappy newcastle medical team), Rooney (hopefully will be fit for later stages although chances are, not group stage), Defoe (can be alright... sometimes), Crouch (god nooo!! but sven's choice) and Darren Bent. Maybe. Won't be Heskey, James Beattie or Darius "can only score against villa" Vassell. I think we still have a chance, I mean, you can't completely write us off... but Rooney's injury and the complete shambles that is the FA's handling of the next manager have provided great obstacles.
640528
no walcott is a different type of player...more like Thierry Henry...skilful, fast and graceful. Rooney's game is a power game, he's the natural successor to Alan Shearer... I'd say the better question is - will Walcott eventually replace Michael Owen and be Rooney's permanent partner for England? The answer is likely yes but not for a while.
474074
Can only be Owen & Rooney if they're fit. Although Sven, being quite the out of touch Manager that he is, may choose to bring back the Vassell then let him mount Crouch the donkey and the two of them can ride off into the German sunset together. Beyond Rooney and Owen, I really hope he takes Defoe and Bent. Although, Ashton & Harewood might have a chance - whatever, I'm just a one-eyed, out of touch, dreaming Hammers fan who hopes to win a ticket to the World Cup by answering this!
577766
Owen will be ready though maybe not 100%..he and Crouch will start. I either of them underperform, Walcott wil go in (and then we'll see if Sven's selection of him over Shaun Wright Phillips is justified..I think its NOT)
693017
He is historically a reasonably quick healer. He has tremendous fitness levels, so as soon as his foot his healed, he'll be able to play. I imagine he'll come on as sub versus Sweden then start in the next round. Unless Peter Crouch scores a het-trick in each game....
1132413
Crouch doesnt walk the talk, he says he will score goal but you are right, he only scores when he does pushups off defenders back. He missed a lot of opportunities in the game vs Trin Tob. If they play against Germany in the other round, Crouch doesnt need to play. Owen, Rooney are better.
1153858
'Blessed'. Hmm, there's a word.\nNo, let's face it, he isn't really fit, even though he has been given the all clear. I'm glad he can play though, as Rooney not being there can't be used as an excuse when they go out in the group stages..........England won't win the World Cup - ok?
497398
all the comments above are true! who did sven take off in japan? was it david beckham? and who did he replace him with was it owen hargreaves- correct me if im wrong but i think he made the same mistake again in another world cup/ european cup finals match...oh and what was that England lost.\nDefinately right about the laissez faire option- hes not bothered nay more hes had the FA's office, got his £millions from it...the portugese manager gets substantially less than sven and he still brings back the goods!!\nI think/hope that Steve McLaren will bring out the best in the players but by then many of the best will be past it e.g David Beckham- its got to be said he was amazing in Japan! the team with him lampard, gerrard, rooney, owen and terry all on form, possibly would have been the best since 1966?\nif anybody has any other comments or if i have made a mistake please let me know.
423403
He is expected to return just in time for the tourney. Will he be the same? Owen is injured again also. England will have to change their approach but are still loaded with talent. Lampard, Cole, Wright -Phillips, Gerrard etc. Rooney was not the heart but he was the fire.Erickson does not know what to do. I don't think they are favorites but they can get to the semis and take it from there. Good Luck to them.