MICHAEL OWEN put aside a lengthy feud to name Alan Shearer in his all-time England XI… ahead of himself.
The former strikers’ rivalry exploded publicly following the release of Owen’s autobiography in 2019.
But in his combined XI of the best players to represent the Three Lions since his debut, the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner included his rival.
He told the BBC in 2019: “He was then a big influence in me going to Newcastle United and we were big mates at that point.
“On the big stage, if you’re thinking, ‘I need someone to finish or take a penalty’, he had absolute nerves of steel. He had a huge amount of self-belief and confidence.”
The pair have taken swipes at one another in the past with Shearer calling Owen out for his lack of professionalism towards the end of his Newcastle contract and Owen suggesting Shearer was not as loyal to the Toon as many believe.
Owen – who moved from Real Madrid to Newcastle in 2005 – suggested the record Premier League goalscorer was looking for a scapegoat for his failed brief spell in charge at St James’ Park.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
