Terry Venables believes the time has come for Sven Goran Eriksson to show Michael Owen that he is not indispensable.
El Tel, who led England to the semi-finals of Euro 96, claims Eriksson must be prepared to drop the Liverpool striker if he fails to produce the goods. And he insists the rapid rise of Darius Vassell presents Eriksson with a viable alternative to England's vice-captain.
Venables said: "It has got to be Owen or Vassell. It would be good to put pressure on Michael so that he does not think he has it all his own way."
Past England bosses Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan were criticised for making Alan Shearer the first name on the teamsheet - even when he was suffering a barren run.
Venables said: "If he (Owen) knows he has got Darius Vassell breathing down his neck I believe it would bring the best out of him."
Owen was starved of service during Sunday's draw with Sweden because of the curious unwillingness of his team-mates to play the ball to feet and, instead, lump long balls forward.
Question marks over Eriksson's tactics and hints that Teddy Sheringham may be drafted into the starting line-up for Friday's game against Argentina have led Venables to question whether the Swede has a clear idea about his best formation.
He added: "If Sven thinks about bringing in Sheringham then he would have to stay 4-4-2 with Michael in front of him. But if he is thinking of bringing him in then why did he not put him on for the last 20 minutes against Sweden?"
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