In front of the watching England Manager, Fabio Capello, Michael Owen was given a dream Cup Final starting berth today.

His goal-scoring record when starting games has been great (he hasn’t started many though!) and this was just the chance he needed to show just what he can do on the big stage.

After twelve minutes he did just that. A loose ball came into his path and he didn’t even need to think about it, his striking instincts took over and he delivered a strike which gave the diving Brad Friedel no chance.

One chance – one goal. That is what the advocates of Michael Owen have been touting as the main reason to take him to the World Cup.

After forty-two minutes Owen was again through on goal but this time we saw every argument for taking Michael Owen countered quite spectacularly. It looked at first like the ball wouldn’t “sit” for him although it did look on for him to have at least a swing with his left. Replays showed the problem clearly… he had felt something in his hamstring and simply could not kick the ball.

Two chances – one goal and an injury that is going to keep him out for weeks. This is why Capello remains unconvinced.

Owen was quick to play down the injury after the match, saying that it is the first such injury he has had for “five or six years” and Fergie was quick to take the blame himself for the injury saying that it was probably a mistake to even play Owen on the unforgiving Wembley surface.

Take away the injuries and Michael Owen remains one of the deadliest finishers in the world and a must for any England team – unfortunately, you can’t take away the injuries, they are part and parcel of Michael Owen these days.

A shame.