Owen targets ton of caps

Striker also sets sights on Charlton goalscoring record

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 22nd May 2008

Michael Owen Carlsberg Newcastle United England

Owen: Sights set on caps milestone

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Michael Owen is optimistic he can reach the 100 caps mark and break Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record for England.

The 28-year-old is 11 caps shy of the 100 mark and is nine goals behind Charlton's record of 49 goals for his country.

Arguably only for injury, Owen could be even closer to both targets, with a series of setbacks sidelining the Newcastle hit-man for lengthy periods.

Owen admits it is a target to join team-mate David Beckham in winning 100 caps and become his country's all-time top scorer, but he concedes he must stay fit and in form if he is to achieve the two milestones.

"Well obviously it would be a very proud [moment] if I was ever lucky enough to get it [100 caps]," Owen told skysports.com in an exclusive interview.

"The two elements are staying fit and being in good form and if you do them two, then I would be hopeful one day I can get it.

"It sounds nothing - 11 caps to go - but at international level that is either a year-and-a-half or two years so it isn't easy and that puts David's 100 caps and achievement into perspective. He has been fantastic."

Turning his attentions to the goalscoring record, Owen added: "Again it is something that is a long way off, but being on 40, although I wouldn't say it is an easy target, realistically there is a chance if I play regularly over the next two or three years. There is half a chance that I could get close to it.

Achievable

"It's quite a tough one but maybe achievable.

"They almost interlink [caps and goals] if I can stay fit and stay in the team and play well I might have a chance.

Owen will be looking to add to his goalscoring tally this summer when England face the USA and Trinidad & Tobago in friendlies on 28th May and 1st June respectively. They are two countries Owen has yet to find the net against and it is something he is keen to put right.

"I have played against Trinidad & Tobago in the World Cup and I have not scored against them and I have played against America," added Owen.

"It is obviously great to look back on your career and go through all the countries you have played against and if you are lucky enough to have scored against them.

"They are good games and as a striker you always go into those matches looking to score and almost complete the set."