Owen gives Sven backing

Michael Owen today insisted that Sven-Goran Eriksson has the full backing of the England squad and warned that the coach should not be underestimated.

Owen, preparing for tomorrow night's friendly against Ukraine after his £8million move to Real Madrid, says Eriksson still has the respect of the players despite the fall-out from his affair with FA secretary Faria Alam.

Owen, 24, said: "No one inside the England camp underestimates Sven but I think maybe a few people outside might do. They aren't aware of the things he says and does and the way he creates a feel-good factor in the squad.

"He is definitely the England manager I have had the best relationship with. He makes the decisions but if there's an area he wants to talk to us about, he's not afraid to consult the players.

"People ask why he isn't more animated but if he started running up and down the touchline the same people would think he'd lost his marbles."

Owen believes England will peak under the Swede's leadership at the 2006 World Cup finals. He said: "Everything is set up for us in Germany. The weather will be like we are used to, there will not be a great time difference and our players will be coming to their peak."

Meanwhile, David Beckham wants to set the record straight by "putting right" his lacklustre displays at Euro 2004.

The England captain said: "After the tournament, I sat down with family and friends and it came up that I'd been doing weights and hadn't realised I'd put on quite a bit in muscle. But I haven't done any weights for four months and I've lost a bit of weight."