Owen Says His Best is Yet to Come for England

Michael Owen celebrated moving to within nine goals of Sir Bobby Charlton's England scoring record by insisting that his best years as an international footballer are still ahead of him as he attempts to beat the World Cup winner's total.

The Newcastle United striker scored twice in the 3-0 win over Russia, taking his tally to four goals in as many games for his country - and 40 in 85 appearances. Although his career had stalled over the past two years with a series of injuries, he remains a potent threat at this level.

"I am hoping my best years are ahead of me at international level," he said. "I am still young. I have a long time to go before I start falling away. I am only 27. It would be a wonderful achievement and a very proud moment if I did reach the 49. Everyone knows that, at international level, if you score three or four goals in a year you have done well - that might be over eight games - so I still need to keep my form for three or four more years to pass it. I'd love to do it quickly but it may take that time. But, all through the rehab, I never thought I wouldn't get back to this kind of form.

"I went to the best surgeon you could have and, between my ears, I'm strong. There might be a lot of people with more skill than me but there are not that many who are mentally stronger. Whether it comes to long-term injuries, lack of form or criticism, I have thicker skin than anyone. I don't think that anyone can say I have come back worse."

His striking partner in the victories over Israel and Russia, Emile Heskey, has needed such resolve to regain his place in the national team. Yet, having been in exile for 39 months, he twice departed Wembley to standing ovations, a crowd who recently mocked his involvement having been won over by his endeavour. "Emile terrorised them," said John Terry after the Russia game. "He has been different class and the partnership he has struck up with Michael again is fantastic, as everyone can see."

Owen has now scored 14 goals in as many games in partnering Heskey at the top level. "We've been there a long time together," said Heskey. "I've played with him since we were in the England Under-18s and we know each other's style and benefit from that. With Michael, you know he only needs half a chance to score. He's had to change his style a little bit because of a few injuries, a few niggles, but he will never change his instinct."