Michael Owen: 'Argentina are favourites for World Cup'

Michael Owen has claimed that the quality of Argentina's forwards make them favourites to win the World Cup this summer.

Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero are included in a squad blessed with attacking talent, and Owen believes that Alejandro Sabella's side can get over any defensive concerns to win their third title.

"I believe Argentina are favourites. They have good players throughout the team, but Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi just tip it," the former England striker declared on Sportlobster.com.

"It will be extremely difficult to stop these two players from scoring. Argentina are more or less in their own backyard and they are used to the altitude and weather.

"The team have some defensive concerns, but Argentinians are typically streetwise. I honestly believe they have more quality than the other nations."

Argentina will take on Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group F.