Shearer questions Owen critics

Alan Shearer has questioned comments that Michael Owen chooses club over country, and pointed out that his most recent performance for Newcastle suggests otherwise. Owen returned eight days after having had a double hernia operation, to score for the Magpies coming off the bench and also featured for Three Lions in Euro 2008 win over Estonia on Saturday. Owen has recently been the subject of reportedly interest from Man City.

Shearer said: "He is very happy here. He loves the area - his family is here and his kids are at school.

"He cannot control what has been said, and he cannot come out every week. He's happy, and he should not have to do that.

"He's frustrated, but he's a tough lad. He will handle it, and he will score goals.

"I don't understand where the criticism's coming from. I don't understand how it's such a crime to first of all get back to playing for Newcastle. He came on and scored and did very well.

"He wants to play for England and I don't see the crime in that either."