Michael Owen

A true jewel in England's crown, Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has played a major part in England's fortunes since making his debut at 18 versus Chile in 1998. A world-class striker with just under a goal every two games in international football, Michael's combination of skill, pace and ability to read the game make him a unique talent. He scored a wonderful goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup Finals in France and shocked the Germans with a sensational hat-trick in Munich in 2001. Michael joined Real Madrid from his boyhood club Liverpool in August 2004, but was back in the Premiership a year later, signing for Newcastle United in a club record GBP 17 million transfer. With time on his side, the all-time England goal record is certainly within his grasp. In this revealing biography, Ollie Derbyshire speaks to Owen's family, friends and teammates and reveals the full story of a footballer destined to be ranked alongside the World's greatest.