But
that's the burden Michael Owen is forced to carry as England look
to the Liverpool striker to lead them into the promised land of
Euro 2000.Owen was only on the pitch for 22 minutes at Southampton on Saturday after coming on as a second-half substitute, but he made all the headlines after limping out of the action with a hamstring injury. And that revived memories of last March when he tore a hamstring against Leeds that was to keep him out of action for five months. The concern shown throughout the land at the news shows just how highly the 19-year-old is rated with England boss Kevin Keegan relying heavily on his young gun to shoot down Scotland in next month's Euro 2000 two-legged play-off.
It can't be easy living with the "boy wonder" tag but Owen displays a maturity well beyond his years and nothing seems to faze the youngster. And that's why he was the perfect choice to host a BBC soccer skills series which is just about to complete its successful run.
Owen appears just at ease with the youngsters he coaches in the programme as he is lining up alongside his Liverpool and England team-mates. He has been the model professional since bursting on to the scene at Anfield scoring 18 goals in each of the last two seasons, and even refused to let last season's injury get him down.
Owen might represent every mother's dream of a player they wouldn't mind their daughter going out with, but he is not a soft touch. He's been sent off twice in his short career and there have been a few rushes of blood to the head in recent matches which he regrets but only proves how fast he is growing up.
Football.Sports.com caught up with England's shooting star this week (Oct , 25th) and it was a pleasure to report that what you get is what you see. He's a nice guy.
Q- What makes a really great footballer?
Michael - A lot of people ask me that, but I'd say one of the main things is the ability to control the ball. Your first touch is all important. All the great players can bring the ball down in one movement.
Q- What's it like scoring a goal in front of thousands of people?
Michael - I scored against Wimbledon on my debut and there's nothing else in life to beat the feeling. Running out in front of 40 or 50 thousand people is exciting enough, but scoring a goal gives you such a buzz that sometimes you forget what you've done after you've scored . You have to watch it again on television to see how you celebrated!
Q- Would you like to play in another position?
Michael - I was always interested in scoring goals and not too interested in stopping them. I don't think I'd be much good in goal or as a defender, so I think I'll keep on doing what I do best.
Q- You are an instinctive player. Is your game based on natural ability or has coaching got you this far?
Michael - A bit of both really. You've got to have some natural ability in the first place to become a footballer but practice makes perfect. It also depends on your position. As a striker a lot of it is instinct because you've got to be alert enough to take advantage of any situation.
Q- Should strikers be so greedy?
Michael - My job is obviously to score goals. But if someone else is in a better position I think you should pass it. Most strikers don't because everyone likes scoring and to be a top marksman you've obviously got to be a bit greedy.
Q- How do you stop yourself from being big-headed?
Michael - I've always been confident in my own ability, but there's a difference between being confident and big-headed. You can feel within yourself that you are going to do well but the secret is not to tell anyone else. Big-headed players invariably take a fall at some stage in their career.
Q - What do defenders do to try and put you off?
Michael - Normally its pulling on your shirt, pinching or standing on your toes but mostly it's through winding you up verbally. That mainly happens abroad but you can't understand them if they talk to you anyway!
Q - Have you ever been frightened in a match?
Michael - Honestly, no. If you are confident in your own ability theres no need to be scared of anyone. If you're up against a defender with a fearsome reputation you've still got to believe that you are going to get the better of him.
Q- What's on your mind when you're clear on goal?
Michael - An awful lot in a very short time as you weigh up your options. Basically, you're looking for what the keeper is going to do. When he goes one way I go the other. I never like going straight down the middle and standing in front of the keeper because he can close you down. But if he dives at my feet I would chip it over him and if he stands up I would hit it
through his legs or to the side. It's a battle of wits and there's only one winner.