History calls for Owen after double strike

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Michael Owen joined a select group of men to score 40 goals for England with his double strike against Russia on Wednesday -- and then promised there was more to come before the end of his international career.

Owen scored two memorable, contrasting goals in the Group E 3-0 win over the Russians at Wembley to take his international tally to 40 goals from his 85 internationals.

He is now just 10 goals away from beating Bobby Charlton's all-time England record of 49 goals, and if he does that he will also pass Gary Lineker (48 goals) and Jimmy Greaves (44) in the process.

Charlton scored his tally in 106 internationals, Lineker scored his in 80 games while Greaves' 44 strikes came in just 57 internationals.

His performance on Wednesday suggests the 27-year-old Newcastle United striker will break the record, which has stood since May 1970, either this year or next.

"I am very proud to have played for my country for almost 10 years and I hope I have many more years left in international football," he said afterwards.

"On a personal level it is wonderful to have scored 40 goals for England, it is a real milestone, but it will mean nothing unless we qualify for the finals next year."

NIGHTMARE OVER