FIFA 2006: Owen not to play rest of matches

The 26-year-old Newcastle striker collapsed and was carried on a stretcher off the pitch.

England striker Michael Owen was ruled out of the World Cup on Wednesday after injuring his knee in the match against Sweden, the Football Association confirmed.

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The 26-year-old Newcastle striker, appearing in his 80th international, collapsed to the ground in the first minute of the match of the 2-2 draw in Cologne and was carried on a stretcher off the pitch.

"Following his injury in last night's match with Sweden, Michael Owen had his right knee scanned today," said a Football Association statement.

"It has now been confirmed that the injury will prevent Michael playing any further part in the World Cup and he will return to England immediately.

"Newcastle United have been kept fully informed of the facts, and Michael's medical care will now be managed by the club.

"Any further comment regarding details of the injury or further treatment will be made by Newcastle United."

Owen, 26, said he was devastated by the news.

"Obviously it's a massive blow to suffer the injury -- and be out of the World Cup," he said.

"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. It was a major disappointment to pick up the injury so early in the game.

"I'll go back home now and work with the Newcastle medical staff to put a recovery programme in place.

"I'm clearly sorry to be leaving the lads in Germany, but I'm convinced they can go on and achieve success.