Owen backs Roo to find scoring touch

Michael Owen is convinced Wayne Rooney will soon be back to goalscoring form for England.

The Manchester United striker has not netted for his country since last November's friendly victory over Argentina. With Owen injured since the World Cup and possibly out for the rest of the season, the onus is on Rooney to lead England's attack.

And Owen told Sky Sports News: "He doesn't have to change his game or do anything to get that elusive goal that he's looking for. He is still obviously a brilliant player, whether he scores goals or not."

He added: "It won't be the first lull he goes through in his career and it won't be the last, and he'll get written off a million and one times before he hangs up his boots, but in the meantime he'll bring a lot of pleasure to England fans and Manchester United fans.

"He's not got to do anything to turn the corner. It will just happen for him so long as he keeps doing what he knows best."

Owen, 26, should still have many years left as an international once he recovers from the knee injury which forced him out of the World Cup group match against Sweden.

However long-time England colleague David Beckham is unlikely to add to his 94 caps, having been excluded from new head coach Steve McClaren's early squads.

Beckham won 94 caps, many as captain, and - according to Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon - the 31-year-old intends to retire in 2008.

Owen said: "I assure you that David is philosophical about it at the moment and he has had a fantastic England career.

"You never know, there might be more caps to come, but never mind whether he gets another cap or not nobody can take away what he's done for England."