Owen is remaining defiant despite suffering another injury blow

The 26-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament in England's 2-2 draw with Sweden on Tuesday and is expected to be out for five months.

But the Newcastle forward is remaining positive about England's chances of lifting the trophy in his absence.

He told the Times newspaper: "My tournament might be over, but I still want that medal around my neck."

Owen, who returned back to England on Wednesday, added: "I told Sven-Goran Eriksson that I would be back out for the World Cup final.

I feel really guilty when I think of the people at Newcastle United Michael Owen

"It is strange to think that my farewell was the last I might see of Sven, a manager who has picked me whenever I have been available and for whom I have scored a lot of goals.

"But I haven't given up hope of seeing him again on July 9."

Owen has revealed that although he is disappointed not to be taking any more part in this year's finals, he feels guilty for Newcastle United whom he joined for �17m from Real Madrid last August.

"I was sending text messages apologising to all sorts of people for letting them down," he said.

"I feel really guilty when I think of the people at Newcastle United.

"I think of the chairman Freddy Shepherd, who has invested all that money and Glenn Roeder, the manager, who has kept in touch through the tournament and been very supportive."

Owen has made 11 appearances for the St James' Park outfit and scored seven goals.