Former Liverpool star Michael Owen is confident England will bounce back from their disappointing draw against Ghana when they take on Panama in their final group game on Saturday.
The Three Lions’ momentum was briefly halted following their goalless draw against the African side, as they failed to capitalize on their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening clash.
England struggled to break down a resolute Ghana defence in the clash, but now have a big chance of returning to form when they take on Panama.
“Trust me, the players will not be sitting in their hotel rooms thinking, ‘Oh, I’m the worst player and we’re the worst team’. They’ll be reminding themselves they scored four goals in their previous game. They’ll be reminding themselves they have world-class attackers”, Owen said.
“They’ll be reminding themselves they already have four points from two matches. And so they should. This is a perfectly healthy position to be in. In fact, if somebody had offered England this before the tournament started – this is a harder group than most – then I think you would have accepted it.”
England have already booked their place in the Round of 32, although top spot is still up for grabs.
Finishing top of their group could see them avoid a tough draw at least until the semifinals, when they could face defending champions Argentina.
“There’s also another reason I think the reaction is over the top. This 48-team format is incredibly forgiving. The days when one poor result could send a major nation home are gone. England are virtually through already. If anything, now was the time to have an off-day”, Owen continued.
“I’ve joked throughout this tournament that you could almost go to sleep for three weeks and wake up when the knockout rounds begin, because that’s when the real competition starts. The group stage is important, of course, but it’s more about building rhythm, managing fitness, rotating players and finding momentum”, the former Liverpool forward concluded.
England will be eyeing top spot from Group L, which could seal a Round of 32 spot against a third-placed side.
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