London, Oct 07: England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Michael Owen will be joining David Beckham in Istanbul on Saturday for the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey.
Eriksson delayed naming his side while Owen was undergoing physio at his club Liverpool yesterday but the signs are that the striker would be fit for the Turkish battle.
Owen underwent a scan on the injury Sunday which revealed a split in the lining between the fibula and tibia bones in his lower right leg. Beckham limped off at the end of Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Espanyol with a dead leg but said he would be fit.
Owen's absence would be a blow for England, who have relied heavily on his goals to keep their Euro 2004 hopes alive. If he does miss out, England may risk the untried duo of Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney. But FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: "Liverpool have stated the chances of Michael being available are 50-50, but we see that as positive.
"We will have further discussions on Monday before we look forward to seeing Michael at the team hotel on Tuesday."



Assuming there are no setbacks, Owen will join up with the England squad at their Hertfordshire Hotel base on Tuesday for more treatment ahead of Thursday's flight to Turkey. Turkey have their own injury worries with captain Hakan Sukur doubtful with a knee injury.


Bureau Report