Soccer News: England striker Michael Owen is confident he will be fully match fit for the World Cup in Germany this summer.

The Newcastle forward is set to play some part in the match at Birmingham today - his first appearance since fracturing a metatarsal against Tottenham on New Year's Eve. Concerns have been expressed that with only two Premiership matches left and two international friendlies scheduled Owen would go into the tournament under-prepared.

However, the 26-year-old dismissed those fears. "The World Cup is six weeks away so I have no doubts I will be fit," said Owen yesterday. "We keep ourselves fit, even when we are injured, and in terms of fitness and everything else I have plenty of time to sharpen myself up."