Owen facing Heskey battle

Michael Owen could find himself out in the cold

By BBC Sport Online's man in Eindhoven, Pete Lansley.

Michael Owen is fighting to revive his credibility as Alan Shearer's first-choice partner after his half-time withdrawal against Portugal begged questions of his fitness and his relationship with Kevin Keegan.

The Liverpool striker became England's golden boy during the last World Cup and an automatic choice, when fit, under Glenn Hoddle.

But Keegan said he substituted Owen in Monday's defeat because the ball was not "sticking" up front sufficiently.

Owen confirmed his retreat was more tactical than fitness-related. But after a year-long struggle with a hamstring problem, concerns re-emerged when he did not come out for the second half.

"I did get a kick in the calf that stiffened up at half-time but that's not an excuse for me coming off," said Owen.

Heskey in line to face Germans

"I came off because the manager decided he wanted to try Emile Heskey up front."

Keegan, who left Owen out of two subsequent warm-up friendlies after his goal in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, is clearly undecided on who should partner Shearer - who himself has not scored in seven internationals.

"Tactically I felt I had to withdraw Michael Owen," said the England coach.

"Don't worry - he's going to be a fantastic player and he'll have his day.

"But the ball was coming back so quickly. Sometimes as a manager you have to make these decisions and that's why I switched."

Sometimes as a manager you have to make these decisions and that's why I switched

Kevin Keegan

Owen admitted heads were bowed in the England dressing room after their 2-0 lead evaporated into defeat.

"We were a bit quiet in there but we've got to pick ourselves up and get on with it," said the 20-year-old.

"We weren't surprised by Portugal's composure and skill, especially from the midfielders and front players, who are so good technically.

"They've got quality in the last third of the field. [Luis] Figo, Rui Costa - they're world-class players and on their day they can beat anyone.

Keegan must decide his best strike partnership

"At 2-0 up, you don't expect to lose a game; you don't expect to draw it either.

"Unfortunately we conceded three and that really killed us."

But Owen stressed England believe they can qualify with Portugal from Group A.

"Of course we can," he insisted. "You can see from this match there's goals in the team and, if everyone stays fit, I can see us being a goalscoring force.

"Two wins out of two is not impossible."