Position: Forward
Born: 14.12.79
Club: Newcastle

With seven international goals in 2005, Michael Owen took his Three Lions goal tally to 35 and is well on the way to becoming England's record goalscorer - especially as he is still only 26 years old.

However, the first target for the Newcastle striker is to make a full recovery from a fractured metatarsal bone which sidelined him for most of the winter.

Owen has certainly not struggled to rediscover his shooting boots after previous injuries, but the amount of niggles and setbacks he collects will be a worry to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Despite his superb return in front of goal for England since making his debut back in February 1998, Owen has never scored more than twice at an international tournament - something he will be keen to improve on in Germany.

Perhaps a meeting with the hosts will inspire Owen to recreate his Munich hat-trick in 2001; or maybe Paraguay will be on the end of a three-goal salvo, just like their South American compatriots Colombia last summer.

For Owen is such a lethal marksman that any country - regardless of reputation - knows the jet-heeled forward can tear them apart on his day. His partnership with Wayne Rooney needs a little more work but, fitness prevailing, the goal threat could hardly be greater.