Owen envisages Fab final

England midfielder believes nation can right the wrongs

By James Dall   Last updated: 27th May 2008

Hargreaves Owen

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Owen Hargreaves hopes England conquer their previous failings under the guidance of manager Fabio Capello.

England fell at the quarter-final stage hurdle in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups plus Euro 2004 before failing to even qualify for Euro 2008.

But Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves believes England are capable of rectifying their past by reaching the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.

Underachieved

He said: "People have said we haven't achieved anything over the last few years but we have got to three quarter-finals.

"We lost (2-1) to Brazil in ridiculous heat in Japan and they were a fabulous side. Then we lost on penalties twice (in 2004 and 2006) when we could have been in two semi-finals which would have been an achievement.

"I don't think it is fair to say it is all negative. Obviously the last campaign was poor and we need to learn from those mistakes.

"But there have been some good things and we just need to improve in getting past that quarter-final stage because so far that has been the biggest hurdle for us.

Hurdle

"If those penalty shoot-outs had gone the other way, you could easily have been a European Championship or World Cup winner.

"But that hurdle for us, quarter-finals, has been a big one and so far we haven't found the answer and I hope that is something we can improve on.

"Fabio Capello thinks we can reach the final in South Africa and he is right in his assessment. We could get to the final. Those are the expectations."