Eriksson warns Wales

ENGLAND v WALES World Cup qualifying Group 6 | 9 Oct 1500 BST | Old Trafford | Live on BBC1; Radio Five Live, Wales and Cymru; BBC website Latest England team news Reaction from Wales camp

Sven-Goran Eriksson insists Michael Owen is out to prove a point against Wales at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Owen has made only one start since joining Real Madrid in the summer and has struggled with injury this week.

But he is set to form part of a three-pronged attack against Wales and Eriksson said: "He hopes to play more for Real than he has done so far.

"I am sure he wants to show what he is capable of and this is a very good opportunity to do so."

Eriksson added of Owen's hamstring problem: "We have spoken a lot about his injury but he feels fine. Michael seems very happy to be here."

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The England coach is considering playing Owen, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney in a three-pronged attack for the World Cup qualifier.

"We have been practising trying different solutions, that's one of them but we did other things, so we will decide on Saturday," he said.

"Rooney looks very good and in great shape and it's amazing to see him, knowing he's been out for such a long time."

He added: "Jermain Defoe, I think, is having a good season at Tottenham.

"He's improving from last season and played very well for England. He's very quick and strong, and he's doing very well.

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"The squad is getting stronger and stronger.

"Sometimes we play young against old in training and players who are 25 are playing for the 'olds' - it's great competition."

Earlier, Defoe backed the idea of a three-pronged England strikeforce.

"It has been dynamic in training," said Defoe. "I have no doubt all three of us can play together.

"With Michael's experience and the goals he has scored, plus Wayne being on fire, it could be really special.

"I am the same type of player as Michael Owen in that I like to get on the defender's shoulder and get behind the back four, while Wayne can come short and make things happen.

"He is similar to Scholes in the way he can create something out of nothing.

"The prospect of being in the same side as those two is awesome."

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