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![]() Thursday, February 12, 1998 Published at 10:41 GMT ![]() ![]() ![]() Sport ![]() Salas sinks England ![]() Chile's goalscorer Marcelo Salas tussles with England defenders Sol Campbell and Tony Adams
Chile have dented England's World Cup warm-up plans with a shock 2-0 win at Wembley.
The South Americans, who like England qualified for the World Cup in France, seemed hungrier and outplayed the home side.
England Coach Glenn Hoddle said: "Right from the first whistle I felt we weren't really on our toes as we have been since I took over. We didn't approach the game in the manner that perhaps we wanted.
"It'll certainly make people sit up and think that the World Cup isn't going to be a stroll as some people - the public and the media - might be thinking."
But Hoddle said his side had been experimental and the game had yielded some positive results - including the performance of Owen.
Salas, once a target for Manchester United and now bound for Lazio in Italy, took the plaudits. He scored the first goal on half-time, controlling a long ball from Jose Luis Sierra on his thigh before volleying past England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
Salas again showed his skill in the 79th minute. He gave Campbell a torrid time, dancing around the ball on the edge of the box before turning and forcing a foul just inside the area. He casually flicked the resulting penalty into the net after sending Martyn the wrong way.
Owen's fellow debutant Dion Dublin got into several good positions, but was unable to find the target. The Coventry star was, however, delighted to be playing.
He said: "It was my first England appearance at any level and to be out there in the white shirt was amazing.
"Michael did well and I thought I did okay as well. It was our first game and
I just hope we get a chance to improve on this result in the future."
Nicky Butt worked well in midfield and the captain, Tony Adams, made a confident international return from injury.
Alan Shearer also completed his comeback from injury, replacing Teddy Sheringham as a second half substitute.
The defeat at the start of England's warm-up trail for the World Cup is only the third of Hoddle's reign. England were previously beaten by Italy in a World Cup qualifier and by Brazil in the French Tournoi last summer.
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