I spoke to Michael on Thursday and we talked for 10 minutes. He is worried about his club football but has even more worries about the national team in a World Cup year.

As long as it makes Michael Owen happy then it is good news for England. Newcastle is a great club and he will get to play a lot.

As long as it makes Michael Owen happy it is good for me and England. It is a great club and he will play more regularly than he did at Real Madrid and he is happy.

Real Madrid wants David to train with the club this week. We never expected David to be with us for the first game, and I understand and respect their view that they want him with them until the end of the Spanish season.

Michael is a fantastic striker and very important for his club and for England. I hope he returns to fitness as soon as possible, and I will follow his progress closely.