We wont have a better chance to win the World cup :Owen

Englands top goalscorer Michael Owen warned yesterday that he is determined not to let his sides best chance of winning the World Cup slip away.

Owen has scored 33 goals in 74 internationals, believes he has now reached his peak and wants to prove this in Germany.

"These are my third World Cup finals and I feel Im reaching my peak as a footballer. Im 26, and hopefully this is my time," he told the News of the World.

"I dont think I will ever have a better chance of winning the World Cup."With England, I know Im playing with such good players that if I get in the right positions Ill score.

"We have a great blend in the squad. There are a lot of players around my age who have experience of the Champions League and international tournaments.

"We have people with a bit of magic who can win a game. We have a cracking back four, a great keeper and teams will have to do well to score against us."The midfield is well balanced and up front you would think Wayne Rooney or I could nick a goal or two.

"We are happy with our lot. There are no foregone conclusions but you would have to say we have a chance along with about six other teams.

"The ultimate would be to win it. If we dont come back with the trophy there is going to be disappointment."

"In 1998, the finals changed my life completely after scoring that goal against Argentina," he said. "There were good things and bad things that happened from there. I went back to my club as a hero for my national team but it was harder to please the Liverpool fans. "Until we won the treble at Liverpool in 2001, I had not won any major trophies. The crowd were hungry for success and I had to help provide it.

"When you are at the World Cup finals, you think nothing else matters. "At that age, I thought it was either going to make my life or ruin it. Then you grow up and realise there will be plenty more opportunities for you.

"I felt unfulfilled after 2002 because we thought there was a chance of winning. We got to the quarters, which was OK, but not fantastic. There have been regrets after every tournament Ive been to. Ive scored in the finals of two World Cups and two European Championships, so there are some positives.

"I gained more know-how in 2002 and now I have even more experience. I know what it takes to win, score goals and be in the right positions."

Owen currently has a broken bone in his right foot and is expected to be out of action for another six weeks.