Do you think Michael Owen is past his best? Do you think he should still command a regular starting place in the England team? Has Michael Owens injuries affected him too much? Has Michael lost some of his passion to the play at the top level of the game? In this article I give my own opinion about these questions, I hope you enjoy the read.

Michael Owen burst onto the international football stage with what can only be described as a wonder goal against Argentina in the World Cup. At this stage he had pace to burn and was lethal in front of goal. The future was very exciting for his club, country and of course for himself.

Owen played for Liverpool for many years and scored lots and lots and goals. A couple of years ago he moved clubs to Real Madrid. At Madrid he did not in my opinion seem to get much a chance, however his goals to games ratio was still very impressive. During this period Michael started to have a few problems with niggly injuries. He has found it quite difficult to have a sustained period free from injury. Last season he moved clubs again with a big money move to Newcastle United. This saw the prospect of him teaming up again with Alan Shearer. Owen however has played only a handful of games for his new club due to his fitness levels.

It seems that Owen is now on his way back, he recently started Englands latest friendly match against Hungary and looked quite hungry. I feel that Michael is way past his best, I think that due to the fact that he is not getting any younger and all of the injuries he has sustained, that he has without doubt lost some of his electric pace. He is however and should remain for a number of years to come a potent and top striker but whether he is still world class remains to be seen.

Michael Owen has never in my opinion let England down. He always seems to pop up with a goal and has certainly been one the nations hero's over the last eight years. I would prefer to see Michael come off the bench for say the last thirty-five minutes of matches instead of starting the games. I think England should have lanky Peter Crouch with another pacy striker such as Theo Walcott to really rough up and bruise the opposition. Michael could then come on when they are starting to become a bit weary.

I do not think Michael Owen has lost any of his passion or desire to play for club or country. In fact I think the opposite is true. He will be itching to get back to somewhere near his best and will be very determined to help his country to win the World Cup.