By Phil McNulty Our man with England

Michael Owen was last man out of England's dressing room after the Euro 2004 win against Switzerland, with questions being asked about his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's team.

England 3-0 Switzerland

Owen was substituted for the second successive game as he continues to search for his first goal in Euro 2004.

Liverpool and England's premier marksman has been temporarily put in the shade by the performances of Everton's Wayne Rooney.

And the debate about Owen's continuing presence alongside Rooney was intensified by another lively England display from substitute Darius Vassell.

Owen created Rooney's opening goal with a perfect cross, but he has not had a chance worthy of the name in England's two matches so far.

But if Eriksson is seriously contemplating dropping Michael Owen, he should think again and resist the temptation.

The striker has not been helped by a revamping of England's attack with the introduction of Rooney.

Whereas he formed a more natural "big man, little man" partnership with Emile Heskey, Rooney's more explosive gifts will take time to gel with Owen.

Owen's mindset is such that he always believes that next goal is only a game away

Rooney has an inclination, and has presumably been told, to come off from playing alongside Owen to receive the ball from midfield.

This has often left his fellow forward isolated - ally this to a lack of quality supply from midfield and you have the current conundrum.

Owen currently looks like a player who fears he may not get many chances in a game, making him over-anxious when an opportunity arises.

The cry for Vassell's introduction will continue, but in reality he is not in his rival's class.

Vassell has done well with Rooney when coming on to replace Owen late in games

Owen has been through these spells before where his pace, touch, confidence and worth have been doubted, both for club and country.

But every time he has emerged successfully, and Owen's mindset is such that he always believes that next goal is only a game away.

He is also a player who, once he has broken the spell, can go on a scoring streak.

Vassell will prove of greater worth to Eriksson as a late substitute in the heat of Portugal, where his pace and energy will punish tiring defenders.

Owen has not been at his best yet, but England are only two games into a campaign.

And the longer they remain, the more likely it is that he will get the chance to silence his critics - and take it.