Sven-Goran Eriksson insists he has never seen Michael Owen in such red-hot form and has been impressed by the sharpness of the Newcastle striker since the World Cup squad met last week.

Owen will captain England's B team against a Belarus side on Thursday, where he will start up front with Peter Crouch. Eriksson wants to give vital match-practice to Owen, who has played only 30 minutes of competitive football since breaking his foot on New Year's Eve.