Owen would prefer Englishman to replace Sven

March 17, 2006

Newcastle striker Michael Owen would prefer an Englishman take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as national boss - as long as the best man is appointed.

Football Association officials are considering their options for when Eriksson stands down after the World Cup this summer, with Alan Curbishley and Sam Allardyce linked with taking over from the Swede.

Guus Hiddink and Luiz Felipe Scolari are among the foreign managers suggested as possibilities, although there have been called for a home-grown boss to take charge.

'I think everyone would say they want an English manager. I'm no different. As long as he is the best man for the job,' said Owen, 26, in Icon magazine.

'But the main criteria is obviously 'is he good enough?' If that's the case then I definitely would side with an English manager.'

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