London: England will head for the World Cup knowing that supporting Michael Owen and striking at opponents from deep will be the key to success without Wayne Rooney.

As coach Sven-Goran Eriksson sweats on next Thursday’s scan on Rooney’s broken foot, few expect the striker to recover in time for the group stages in Germany ? if he makes the finals at all.

The 20-year-old’s injury will clearly place an extra weight on Owen’s shoulders as England look to come through Group B games against Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.

Fortunately for Eriksson, Owen’s track record shows that pressure does not faze a 26-year-old who is now looking forward to his third World Cup.

“It doesn’t really affect the way I play,” Owen said.

“There are massive games every week let alone a Champions League final like Arsenal were playing in. Pressure comes with life.

“I never get so excited that I can’t think and I never get too low. I’m able to keep a middle ground on a lot of things.”

From breaking records as a schoolboy to rattling up 35 goals in 75 England games, the Newcastle United striker has no reason to doubt his ability despite a long-term injury.

“The first time I ever played in the World Cup I scored, the first time I played in a football match I scored, the first time I played for Liverpool I scored,” Owen said. (REUTERS)