OWEN out for 5 months

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Striker 'Down And Out'

 

11:59, Wednesday June 21, 2006

 

Michael Owen's knee injury will put him out of action for at least five months, Sky News has been told.

 

The Newcastle striker was stretchered off in the 2-2 draw against Sweden after falling awkwardly.

 

Owen returned with the rest of the England squad to their base in Baden-Baden, where he has now had a scan on his knee.

 

He reportedly suffered serious ligament damage and will not be able to play again until Christmas.

 

The good news is that fellow striker Wayne Rooney came through the match unscathed.

 

Despite a number of arrests, it was generally a quiet night in Cologne as English fans celebrated the result.

Rooney: Tired but fit

Rooney: Tired but fit

 

It left England top of Group B and means they play will Ecuador in the first knockout round on Sunday, not hosts Germany.

 

Between 60,000 and 70,000 England fans descended on Cologne for the match, the majority watching it on giant screens or in bars.

 

Those with tickets were joined at the Rheinenergie stadium by Chancellor Gordon Brown and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

 

Five English fans were arrested for drunken behaviour at the ground.

 

Potential clashes between German and English supporters in Cologne's Alter Markt were avoided when riot police moved in and cleared the area.

 

Back in England ITV1's coverage of the Sweden game was watched by 20.8 million people.

 

It was the biggest audience for a football match since England v Portugal in Euro 2004.

 

 

 

[Boney Crisp]

You have to feel sorry for and Owen and could that be his last World Cup where he is the cheif striker for England as you have Walcott coming up through the ranks and Crouch is getting better each game.

[NotTheRealSteveWest]

Considering the injuries that Owen has had do you really think you'll see him in an England shirt again?

[P.W.]

Quote:

Not The Real Steve West said:
Considering the injuries that Owen has had do you really think you'll see him in an England shirt again?

[color:"blue"]I'd think it may be more pertinent to ask - 'Will we see him on a football pitch again?'
Hope I'm wrong.

[MargateFan]

Well, our Danny has come back from a similar injury and look at him now.

I hope Owen recovers as well, big loss to England and his club.

[Boney Crisp]

Lets hope Steve Mclaren watches non-league football, because you may see Hockton in the England squad.