Michael Owen

A true jewel in England's crown, Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has played a major part in England's fortunes since making his debut at 18 verses Chile in 1998. A world-class striker with just under a goal every two games in international football, Michael's combination of skill, pace and ability to read the game make him a unique talent. He scored a wonderful goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup Finals in France and shocked the German's with a sensational hat-trick in Munich in 2001. Michael joined Real Madrid from his boyhood club Liverpool in August 2004, but was back in the Premiership a year later, signing for Newcastle United for a club record £17 million transfer deal. With time on his side, the all-time England goal record is certainly within his grasp . In this revealing biography, Oliver Derbyshire speaks to Owen's family, friends and team-mates and reveals the full story of a footballer destined to be ranked alongside the World's greatest.

Oliver Derbyshire has been a passionate follower of football since before he can remember and writing about football became his dream once he realised he would never make the grade as a player. Born in 1979, Ollie studied at St Catherine's College, Oxford