Sven-Goran Eriksson has delayed the announcement of England's squad to face Turkey until Monday as Michael Owen's fitness is assessed ahead of the Euro 2004 qualifier.
Owen left Anfield on crutches with a shin injury after falling awkwardly during Liverpool's 2-1 defeat against Arsenal.
Eriksson was due to name his squad at 7pm this evening for the final group game next Saturday.
However, his plans have changed following Owen's injury at Anfield yesterday, while David Beckham was not due in action for Real Madrid until this evening.
The delay would seem to underline just how important Owen is to England's qualifying hopes, with Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney not having started for their clubs at the weekend.
Eriksson also has the option of James Beattie and Darius Vassell, but he is keen to take time to assess Owen's fitness before deciding upon his final squad.
Owen has scored 16 times since the Swede took charge of the national side and boasts a record of 24 goals in just 53 caps.
If Owen does not play in Istanbul, Everton's Wayne Rooney would be almost certain to start and Eriksson is confident the youngster could handle the pressure.
Eriksson declared: "He's a young man. He's tough and I don't think he has a problem with nerves at all. I haven't said that I'm going to play him but, if I do, then I think he's mature enough.
"I'm not worried about his experience. I wasn't the first time we played against Turkey (when Rooney starred in England's 2-0 win) so why should I be now, even if we are playing a difficult game away?
"I don't think I should be worried about him or whether the game is too big for him as he's shown every time that nerves are not a problem for him. He has also never failed with his temperament for England."
Owen left Anfield on crutches with a shin injury after falling awkwardly during Liverpool's 2-1 defeat against Arsenal.
Eriksson was due to name his squad at 7pm this evening for the final group game next Saturday.
However, his plans have changed following Owen's injury at Anfield yesterday, while David Beckham was not due in action for Real Madrid until this evening.
The delay would seem to underline just how important Owen is to England's qualifying hopes, with Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney not having started for their clubs at the weekend.
Eriksson also has the option of James Beattie and Darius Vassell, but he is keen to take time to assess Owen's fitness before deciding upon his final squad.
Owen has scored 16 times since the Swede took charge of the national side and boasts a record of 24 goals in just 53 caps.
If Owen does not play in Istanbul, Everton's Wayne Rooney would be almost certain to start and Eriksson is confident the youngster could handle the pressure.
Eriksson declared: "He's a young man. He's tough and I don't think he has a problem with nerves at all. I haven't said that I'm going to play him but, if I do, then I think he's mature enough.
"I'm not worried about his experience. I wasn't the first time we played against Turkey (when Rooney starred in England's 2-0 win) so why should I be now, even if we are playing a difficult game away?
"I don't think I should be worried about him or whether the game is too big for him as he's shown every time that nerves are not a problem for him. He has also never failed with his temperament for England."