Michael Owen played his first game in an England shirt since World Cup 2006 in the England B team against Albania. The international friendly took place at Turf Moor and although Owen’s return was low key it was an opportunity for him to prove his fitness to A team manager Steve McClaren. The result was successful and Owen has since been named in the provisional squad to face Estonia in June in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

England didn’t have a bad night. The game was a chance for the fringe players in the England squad to get a chance to show what they can do under no pressure. Players like Stewart Downing, Phil Neville, Jermaine Jenas and Aaron Lennon all started or featured in the game. It was also a chance for seasoned professionals like Owen and Smith who have missed out from long term injuries to stamp their authority on a game against weak opposition.

Early on Besart Berisha hit the bar for Albania after an excellent run, before England hit Albania twice in the space of three minutes to make the score 2-0. A touch from Gareth Barry set up Alan Smith before Downing tapped in minutes later after a goalkeeping error to make it 2-0. Berisha popped up again to score an impressive goal for Albania but Downing made it a comfortable win for the England B team just before the hour with an exquisite chip.

Michael Owen was playing his first international game since World Cup 2006 where he ruptured knee ligaments. The Newcastle United striker played the full match but failed to add to the score line. His best opportunity came early on, when he side-footed Aaron Lennon’s cross wide from a promising position. Smith is another long-term England absentee, with the Manchester United forward last playing an international game 19 months ago. He put England ahead with a low shot after he collected Barry’s excellent lay-off. Not long afterwards Albania goalkeeper Beqaj was unable to collect David Bentley’s cross and Downing reacted quickly to drill the ball home.