Owen agony

England striker Michael Owen is almost certain to be ruled out of the rest of the World Cup finals after suffering a knee injury in the 2-2 draw against Sweden.

Newcastle ace Owen was crocked just a minute into the game in Cologne and faces a make-or-break scan on Wednesday, with some reports suggesting he faces several months out of action.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted straight after the game: "It doesn't look very good for him and for us. How much time it will take we don't know.

"I think it's a bad one. We'll have to see what the doctors say."

Owen's team-mate Joe Cole, who scored a spectacular opening goal in the clash with the Swedes, added: "It's a big blow for him and the team.

"He's had a difficult 12 months with injury and now he's got a battle on his hands.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family. I hope he'll be back scoring goals for England soon."