Michael Owen has criticised England's performances at the World Cup, saying they were 'played off the park by Norway' and need to improve against Argentina in the semi-final. The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 in extra time on Saturday in Miami, thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham, but Owen was unimpressed by large parts of the display.
Owen highlights technical flaws
Writing in the Daily Mail, Owen said: 'I went against the grain after Mexico when I highlighted the technical flaws of the team performance and explained why a lot of what I saw that night concerned me. Not everyone agreed and some thought I was being negative. I wasn't. I thought it was important to look beyond the drama and entertainment, because that informs what happens next. What did happen next? They were played off the park by Norway for large periods and couldn't get control of the game. It was exactly as I feared.'
Owen, who scored 40 goals in 89 England caps, believes England have only shown short periods of excellence against Croatia and Mexico, with underwhelming spells against Ghana, Panama, DR Congo and Norway. However, he expects an improvement against Argentina, who beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to set up a blockbuster semi-final on Wednesday. France face Spain in the other semi-final on Tuesday.
Wingers and midfield under scrutiny
Owen feels Argentina's willingness to attack will help England, who have struggled against more defensive sides. He also sees Bellingham and Harry Kane as likely to be at top form, but has questioned those around them. 'The scary thought is, I believe we will see another level again to Bellingham in Atlanta,' he said. 'If any player will rise to that occasion, it will be him. What we need is everyone else to go with him. Kane is a guarantee — but can the wingers finally chip in with some goals? Can the midfield keep the ball for more than a few passes?'
Owen also praised Thomas Tuchel for not sugar-coating the performance against Norway. 'His players didn't need protecting. They needed reminding that there is another level. Criticism isn't always a warning. Sometimes it's a challenge. England can answer that against Argentina.'
