Alan Smith is certain he can form a successful partnership with Michael Owen in England's attack.

And he is confident he can reproduce the form that brought him his first international goal in Saturday's draw with Portugal.

He said: "Can I gel with Michael Owen? I don't see why not. He is a world class player and I hope he can keep helping me on with my game as well.

"He deserves full credit because he helped me through the game, did a lot of talking to me, telling me when to drop off and when to close down and it went quite well.

Smith's man-of-the-match performance was in contrast to his display as a substitute in the friendly international with Mexico at Pride Park in May 2001.

The way ahead

The Leeds striker missed a clear-cut chance to score and was left feeling disappointed.

He said: "I was kicking myself when I did not score in that friendly against Mexico. You have got to try and make your mark when you get the chance.

"Look at Darius Vassell. He took his chance and did well so I've got no qualms about that. He made the most of his opportunity and went to the World Cup.

"But I don't want to look back. I just want to look forward and hopefully I have taken my chance now.

"I think I made up for that Mexico game and I hope I can hold onto my place although there are a lot of good strikers around.