Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has said that England currently lack the cutting edge in front of goal due to the lack of a player like Michael Owen.

Michael Owen is widely regarded to be one of the greatest strikers England has had in recent times. It is the thought that is further strengthened by the goal record Michael Owen has had for England over the years. Even though Michael Owen is not picked by Fabio Capello for the England national duty nowadays, he is widely thought to be the greatest goal scorer England of recent times.

Michael Owen has managed to score 40 goals for the national team in just 89 matches, which is just four behind the likes of Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, and Jimmy Greaves. Fabio Capello is in a tough situation having to progress to the knockout stages of the Euro 2012 without the services of Wayne Rooney. The England striker was initially suspended for three matches, but it has now been reduced to 2 matches after appeal. Glenn Hoddle was one of the chief architects in bringing Michael Owen to the England national team fold during the 1998 World Cup. It was also during this time that players like Paul Scholes and David Beckham started to emerge under Glenn Hoddle.

Now, the former England manager recognises that Daniel Sturridge is probably one of the few players who comes close to being able to satisfy the England requirements. Despite being in excellent form at the start of the season, Daniel Sturridge is yet to make his international debut. So far, Sturridge has scored seven goals in the league this season, which is impressive considering that he has been largely employed as a winger. Michael Owen is currently ruled out due to a long-term injury.