 Owen expects to return to training in two weeks |
Michael Owen remains on course to return from a serious knee injury before the end of the season. The Newcastle striker is recovering from surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at the World Cup in June last year.
"I would think it would be a couple of weeks before I can join in training," the 27-year-old told the Times.
"I am kicking and running straight as hard as I like, and then it is the twisting and turning."
Owen recovered from a broken metatarsal bone in time to travel to the World Cup with England only to suffer his knee injury in the third group game against Sweden.
England have struggled in his absence and have scored only twice in their last five games.
 | Playing with someone like Andy Johnson could suit Wayne Rooney |
Andrew Johnson is expected to partner Wayne Rooney in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel on Saturday and Owen is backing the Everton striker to shine.
"I'd suggest Wayne plays better with someone quite quick ahead of him, someone who plays on the shoulder of the last defender," said Owen.
"That player then pulls the defenders a bit, stretches the play and gives Wayne more room in that hole where he likes to play, so that he can turn and play people in, or twist and beat someone, or shoot.
"He's never been a player on the lookout for the shoulder, so playing with someone like Andy Johnson could suit him.
"I'd have thought Andy Johnson would complement Wayne quite well. If it's those two up front, he'll fit into the pattern because Wayne's not ideal for backing into defenders and chasing long balls."
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