Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has revealed he enjoyed playing for England this week in their back-to-back victories against Israel and Russia.

A far cry from the Andorra ordeal, Owen says the England setup is full of positive spirit: "We couldn't have asked for anymore out of the 10 days together. We would have snapped people's hands off if they said we would win both games.

"We lost to Germany but always said these two games were the important ones and we produced when it mattered. We know we've got the quality. All too often, we haven't shown it.

"To win them both 3-0 is a massive confidence boost. We are in a much healthier position in the group than we were a couple of weeks ago.

"It's not often you get to enjoy a game with England and can take your foot off the gas but we've done that in the last two matches.

"But there is still plenty of work to be done."