While coach Sven Goran Eriksson was full of praise for his team's performance in Munich, he also tried to restore a sense of perspective to their World Cup campaign.

"That is a very difficult and dangerous game after a victory like this," he added.

England are now just three points behind group nine leaders Germany with a game in hand and superior goal difference.

Hat-trick hero Owen could scarcely hide his excitement at his own performance and that of the team.

"You can only dream about results like this, but you don't think it will come true," said Owen.

"No-one had predicted that result, it's about time we show how good we are."

Owen became the first England striker to score three goals against Germany since Sir Geoff Hurst in the World Cup final in 1966.

However, the modest 21-year-old was keen to highlight the contributions of his team-mates.

Hat-trick

"It is great on a personal note to score a hat-trick," he added.

"But David Seaman made a world class save, Steven Gerrard scored a great goal.

"You can't say anyone had a bad game."

His sentiments were echoed by captain David Beckham, who praised the determined character of his side.

"It shows the character of the team," said the Manchester United midfielder. "We knew we would have to work hard and we did that."

"It was about the whole team tonight. I was lucky enough to be out there with those players."