Eriksson fears for Owen

Michael Owen, whose summer move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare, has been warned by national coach Sven Goran Eriksson his England place could be under threat.

Although Eriksson still seems likely to keep faith with Owen for the World Cup qualifier against Wales at Old Trafford next week, as he "has always been the man for the big games", the Swede is concerned about the player's lack of first team action in Spain.

Owen has started just one game all season and has actually played longer for England than Real so far this season.

Defoe, meanwhile, has been in excellent form all season, scoring his first England goal in Poland last month, while Wayne Rooney announced his return from injury with a superb midweek hat-trick.

"Of course I've been thinking about Michael Owen's situation as he's been sitting on the bench quite a lot now," said Eriksson.

"It's not good for him, me or England if he plays too little football at the moment. It's tough for him. He's never been used to sitting on the bench, not for Liverpool or England."

"We'll see if he plays on Sunday and then I want to see him in training and see what we want to do."

"You can see at once how a player is - whether they are down, whether they are sharp or whether they are in good form. But I don't have an answer to myself yet."

Asked if Defoe had a genuine chance of playing against Wales, Eriksson insisted: "Of course."

However, the Swede is conscious that dropping his main striker, who has 27 international goals in 63 caps, could damage his confidence even further.

"Michael is mentally very strong. He has always been the man for the big games and although he might sometimes not play to his best, he will still score goals for you," said Eriksson.

"As a manager, you should try to be loyal to your players and I hope they are loyal to me. That is what respect is about."

"But at some point, I can assure you that if I have one player in the squad who is better than someone who normally plays, then I would do something. I don't have favourites because I like someone. It's all about trying to make the best possible team."

Eriksson has not considered playing all three strikers up front, although there always is the temptation to drop Rooney into the attacking midfield 'hole'.

In any case, he has further issues to address in midfield, with Wayne Bridge struggling with a calf injury, while Kieron Dyer and Steven Gerrard are already ruled out.

Eriksson must also decide whether to recall Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand in central defence, as well as keeping faith with Paul Robinson in goal.