Expresso Platform: Big Games | Michael Owen is “out of love for international football” and criticizes “meaningless matches” between national teams

Michael Owen, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, admits he “fell in love with international football” after watching England 10-0 against San Marino. With this gap, the English sealed their presence in the upcoming World Cup.

The England international has been present at three World Cups on 89 occasions and has now joined the voice of fans questioning the logic of putting two teams on the field of different levels. The former striker wrote on Twitter: “I am quickly falling in love with watching international football [entre seleções]. I think a lot of people feel the same way. Half of these games are meaningless. Restructuring is required.

San Marino is last in the world rankings. In the first half, they were already 6-0 behind. England captain Harry Kane scored four goals, all in the first half and two of them from a penalty kick, both with a handball. The difference in level was not enough, defender Dante Rossi was eventually sent off due to the accumulation of yellow cards.

Former Ireland international Roy Keane has admitted feeling sorry for England’s opponents who are looking to grab their first win in competitive matches. San Marino scored in 10 qualifying matches is 46 goals and scored one goal. The only victory came in a friendly match, in 2004, against Liechtenstein.

They are at a disadvantage in every aspect of the game. They shouldn’t be in the same field as England. What can the selector say before the match? ‘Come on guys, can we do it?’ Being defeated like that in every game is painful for them.”