Neville only absentee from training as players defend Owen

By George Burns Jun 17, 2006, 17:03 GMT

Baden-Baden, Germany - England's Steven Gerrard said Saturday he still has faith in former Liverpool team-mate Michael Owen, who has failed to score at the World Cup and was substituted in both matches.

'Michael has come in for a bit of criticism because he hasn't scored but I know goals are only around the corner,' said Gerrard of the Newcastle United striker.

'He is not worried about the way he is playing and neither is the team and we know it's only a matter of time before he is banging goals in.

Gerrard admitted that Owen hadn't received the type of balls he thrives on.

'We know if we improve the service he will get goals,' he said.

Gary Neville, who missed England's 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, was the only player absent from team training Saturday, having picked up a calf strain in training Wednesday.

But it is England's spotty attack that has fans worried. The team have been criticized for concentrating on a long-ball game when Peter Crouch plays up front, and Gerrard agreed that the team would have to vary its tactics if it is to go all the way in Germany.

'We've got to be careful if Peter does play that we don't use the long ball too much,' he said.

Frank Lampard also rushed to the defence of the under-fire Owen, saying he is 'very close' to getting there.

'It's such a fine line sometimes and it is difficult for Michael because of his position,' said the Chelsea midfielder.

'It could have been so different the other night, but he is a world-class goalscorer and we are in danger of being too negative.

'Michael is very important to the England team - he has never let us down and he won't let us down in the future.

'He always scores in the big games and his performances will get better because Michael is a world-class player.'

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson could start with Owen against the Swedes on Tuesday in Cologne - or he could gives Wayne Rooney his first start.