Owen won the battle with Oliver Kahn

He inexplicably picked the ball up, an amateurish error that gave England a free kick inside the area.

It was more than a simple mistake.

It was an expression of naked fear, a realisation that Owen was a scourge to Germany, even without the ball at his feet.

And the nightmare was complete for Kahn when Owen, who had already scored, beat him twice more in the second half to complete his treble.

Owen is a world star once more.

And England have a player to threaten even the most impregnable defence.

Owen's third goal in particular was taken with a mixture of ruthless efficiency and nonchalance that told the football world that the one-time wonder boy has officially come of age.

Sir Geoff Hurst's World Cup final hat-trick will never be forgotten as long as football is played, but it is a refreshing change to focus on another England Number Ten with a hat-trick to his name against Germany.

And it was the crowning glory for a modest but single-minded individual who has shown the strength to come through an injury nightmare that could have broken lesser men.

Liverpool are keen to secure their star striker

Owen coped with the pressures of his goal against Argentina in France 98 - it was simply his hamstrings that let him down.

He tore his hamstring badly at Elland Road two years ago, and was haunted by the injury as Liverpool and Owen searched desperately for a cure.

Owen was sent to doctors around the globe - and even advised to sit differently in his car to avoid trouble with an injury that is perhaps the most feared for those blessed with lightning pace.

He battled mental and physical anguish, but finally emerged into the light late last season with a flurry of goals that included a match winning double in the FA Cup final against Arsenal.

This season he has looked untouchable from the moment he graced Cardiff with another goal in the Charity Shield against Manchester United and struck a double against West Ham on the Premiership's opening day.

And it is all a fitting reward for a player who always vowed, not in a vindictive way, to make his critics eat generous portions of humble pie for writing him off last season.

Owen is, in many ways, the natural successor to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer as a world class striker in England's colours, both as a player and a person.

Owen left his mark in Munich

He is close to his family, buying them houses in the same street so they can stay together, and his private life is settled and kept out of the headlines.

Owen enjoys horse racing and keeps a keen sense of humour behind his boyish appearance, but he has a sense of professionalism and a hunger for success that does not allow for distractions.

Liverpool may view his show-stopping performance against Germany with mixed emotions.

They are currently in the process of agreeing a new five-year contract with Owen, and negotiations are at an advanced stage.

But Liverpool will know the predators will be at Anfield's door once news of Owen's hat-trick flashes around the world.

Real Madrid have already expressed their admiration, and they appear to work in financial boundaries that are unique to The Bernabeu, leaving them in pole position should Liverpool ever find themselves having to deal with the unthinkable.

Liverpool are confident Owen will be happy to spend the best years of his career at Anfield - but Gerard Houllier will sleep a lot easier when his signature is on the new deal.

Michael Owen is back.

And if anyone needs confirmation, they can consult the shell-shocked and shattered figure of Oliver Kahn.