World Cup

Michael Owen urges England to use youngsters at World Cup

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 12 June 2014

Michael Owen, who announced himself memorably as a teenager at the 1998 World Cup, urges England to use 'the fearlessness of youth' in Brazil this summer.

Michael Owen feels that England should use 'the fearlessness of youth' to their advantage in the 2014 World Cup by unleashing their 'hugely promising' youngsters.

An 18-year-old Owen made a big impact at the 1998 World Cup and has admitted that his age made him somewhat ignorant of the stage that he was playing on.

Owen is the latest of several former internationals who have said that the Three Lions could benefit in Brazil from using pacey teenagers such as Raheem Sterling, who are untainted by the country's previous tournament failures and will be less familiar to the opposition.

He wrote on Sportlobster: "The biggest advantage for England is the fearlessness and innocence of youth, as well as lightning pace throughout the team and the huge potential of so many of their youngsters.

"I remember France in 1998 and I honestly couldn't name the players in the teams I faced in the tournament.

"This is a young and exciting England squad, which very few teams will look forward to playing. A little bit of uncertainty may set in and hopefully England take advantage."

Owen scored twice at the tournament in France, including a famous solo goal against Argentina.