Injury Forces Owen Out of World Cup

Michael Owen's tournament was today brought to a premature end after he was ruled out of the finals by injury. The England striker could face up to five months on the sidelines after a scan on his right knee confirmed the bad news.

"The injury will prevent Michael playing any further part in the World Cup and he will return to England immediately," read a Football Association statement. "Newcastle United have been kept fully informed of the facts, and Michael's medical care will now be managed by the club. Any further comment regarding details of the injury or further treatment will be made by Newcastle United."

Owen suffered the injury in the first minute of England's 2-2 draw with Sweden last night. He immediately signalled his distress, prompting fears of a serious cruciate ligament problem. "Obviously it's a massive blow to suffer the injury - and be out of the World Cup," he said. "As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. It was a major disappointment to pick up the injury so early in the game.

"I'll go back home now and work with the Newcastle medical staff to put a recovery programme in place. I'm clearly sorry to be leaving the lads in Germany, but I'm convinced they can go on and achieve success. I'll be following all the matches very closely and giving them my full support, hopefully all the way to Berlin. My main objective is now to get fit as quickly as possible for Newcastle United."

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson added: "Michael has had terrible luck with injuries since Christmas.I feel very sorry for him to miss out on the rest of the World Cup - it's blow to him and a big loss for the team. However I am sure Michael will work very hard to get back as quickly as possible for Newcastle and England. He is a true professional and a very mentally strong person. I hope the team can now go on and achieve success in Germany for Michael."