Ferguson: England hopes rest on Owen

The 24-year-old Liverpool striker has struggled for form and fitness during a turbulent season at Anfield, but the Old Trafford supremo still expects Owen to prove hugely important to the national cause in Portugal.

Ferguson said: "Michael Owen, you would hope, has no more injuries. If he were to get another before the Championships he'll struggle.

"It would destroy him in terms of pace and penetration and without him England have no one who can penetrate."