Eriksson: Real Madrid's Owen best striker in the world

Real Madrid striker Michael Owen carried on his scoring form with a sensational hat-trick to become England's fourth-highest scorer of all time in yesterday's 3-2 win over Colombia.
 
And the striker, 25, says he is chasing legend Bobby Charlton's total of 49 goals.

Owen, now on 32, said: "It's a record you've got to aim for now that I'm into the 30s, but it's still a while away."

The Real Madrid hitman pounced twice in six first-half minutes and claimed his second England hat-trick in the 58th minute.

Owen said: "I couldn't have asked for the season to wrap up in any better fashion. I'm very pleased."

"You don't often get a sniff of a hat-trick at any level - and Colombia are a good team who look like they will be going to the World Cup."

Owen leap-frogged Alan Shearer, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney last night.

Only Charlton, Gary Lineker and Jimmy Greaves are ahead of him.

Owen added: "They're not bad names are they?"

"And I've just gone past a few great names on the list as well."

"Every goal I score now people are going to be talking about the record."

Coach Sven Goran Eriksson hailed Owen as "the world's best striker" after England's 3-2 triumph."

He said: "I have worked with many great finishers during my time as a coach but never anyone better than Michael."

"He has shown again that he is as good as any striker in the world and all three of his goals were absolutely fantastic."

"But that is no surprise to me because he has been like this for many years now."

"Football is all about goals and Michael has already scored 32 times for his country and he's still only 25."

"We came to the USA to look at the young players but again we have seen that we really need a fit and healthy Michael Owen for the World Cup."