Jamie Carragher has backed out-of-sorts England striker Michael Owen to defy his critics and regain his sharpness in front of goal.
There is speculation Owen, who has scored 36 goals for his country, could make way for fit-again Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's World Cup clash with Sweden.
Newcastle striker Owen has looked off the pace against Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago following his five-month lay-off after breaking a metatarsal.
Carragher said: 'You've got to remember these are virtually Michael's first games for five to six months and it's in international football, which is not as easy as people think at times.
'I know we are supposed to go out and beat these teams but it is difficult and Michael has been getting in there and getting chances. That's the good thing that he'll be positive about.
'When he gets a bit sharper, he'll put those chances away. Michael Owen always seems to get knocked by people and he comes back and proves them wrong.'
