Real Madrid's Owen happy again with England

Real Madrid striker Michael Owen says his confidence is back thanks to his days with the England squad.

The Real Madrid striker has spent most of the season on the bench, with his dream Spanish move rapidly turning into a nightmare.

But he said: "Joining up with the England squad gives me a buzz - it's like being let off the leash."

"There is no higher stage to ply your trade as a professional. It is the top of the profession."

"Having not played as many minutes as I have wanted, it did give me an extra spring in my step to be out there against Wales."

He was denied the opening goal when FIFA awarded it to Frank Lampard but he insisted: "That's gone now."

"I felt pressure in terms of needing a performance before Wales."

"But right from the first minute on Saturday I felt in the groove. That set me up for being confident through the match. I didn't really feel I needed to score but I feel better now."

"Going into this game I feel totally relaxed and comfortable with myself and everything."

"Goals are a big part of my game and I want to be scoring them but, if not, as long as I'm doing the majority of my job properly, I'm happy. You can't expect to score every time."

"I will always want to score. But I don't feel that I can't play well unless I score, or that I cannot create goals and come off the pitch happy. As a captain I'm like David in that I don't rant and rave or shout in the dressing room or on the pitch."

"But I've been on the international scene for a long time and have the experience. I'd like to think I can lead by example."