Azerbaijan 0-1 England England player ratings

Stand-in captain Owen headed a first half goal to give England a crucial 1-0 win in rain-lashed Baku.

Eriksson said: "I'm sure no-one will discuss whether Michael Owen should be in the team after that display.

"I was very happy for him and it was thanks to his goal we have six points from our last two qualifying games."

He added: "There were a lot of discussions as always in our country as to whether Michael should or should not play.

"But I thought he played very well against Wales on Saturday and very well again here.

"It was an important goal and he is in very good shape even if he has been playing very little for Real Madrid.

I'm sure no-one will discuss whether Michael Owen should be in the team now England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

"His goal record for England is excellent. I said that when there were discussions as to whether he should be in the team - 28 goals in 65 games at this level is fantastic."

Eriksson admitted the appalling weather conditions meant he was just relieved to leave Baku with the three points.

He said: "The three points were the reason we were here and we have got them. It was difficult to play good football in these conditions because the wind was blowing in all directions.

"We did a very professional job, and that means in our last two games we have got six points and did not concede a goal. This is very good.

"I would blame the conditions for the fact we didn't kill the game off."

Have Your Say What did you think of Michael Owen's performance?

Eriksson was happy with Newcastle's Jermaine Jenas, who was a surprise choice to replace David Beckham.

He said: "He is a very good player. He can play inside in midfield and also on the outside. That is a good position for him and he did very well."

Owen said: "All in all six points from two games and we are sitting pretty at the top of the group.

"I don't think the public will be satisfied with a 1-0 win but we are not trying to hide anything.

"We could have played better, however, if you said we were going to win 1-0 away we would have taken that."