Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan is urging Fabio Capello to try playing Michael Owen in a deeper role for England.
"This one maybe seems very risky on paper but, in reality, it has proved difficult for other teams to play against.
"Michael is a great pro and I think he has really enjoyed playing it. I haven't asked him but I can tell by his demeanour, by the way he's applying himself.
"It has shown another side to him that I'm sure he knew he had, that he's a real team player."
Keegan was not always so complimentary about Owen when England boss himself but having made him captain of Newcastle he conceded: "Back then I didn't realise how good he is.
"And I think he can mature into a different kind of player now, a bit like I did."