Michael Owen is making up for lost time at the pub

Owen burst onto the scene for England at the World Cup in 1998 with a wonder goal against Argentina that made him a national hero, so there wasn’t much time for a pint down his local when he turned of age.

“Well I’m making up for it now! I love going down to the pub at the weekends, to watch the football and enjoy it with my family and friends,” Owen told the PMA​.

Now a commentator for BT Sport, and away from the manic lifestyles of the Premier League, La Liga or international football, the former Liverpool striker has a chance to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Owen continued: “If I’m not working, it’s always a Sunday lunch at the pub. There’s about five I go to regularly in Hawarden.”

Champions League

Owen is commentating on PSG vs Chelsea in tonight’s Champions League match on BT Sport.

“It’s going to be a good game. Chelsea are not what they were last season but should be well up for the game. They haven’t got much else left to play for this season,” he said.

“Nothing in the league, they’re out of the Capital One Cup so it’s that and the FA Cup.”

He rates Chelsea as having a good chance in tonight’s match, but picked PSG as potential dark horses for the tournament and Bayern Munich and Barcelona as outright favourites.

And he’s not too hopeful of Arsenal’s chances against the Spanish champions, with the first leg kicking off on 23 February.

Owen played for both Manchester United and Liverpool in the Champions League, and he rates getting back into the competition as vital for both.

'Greatest ever sporting achievement'

“Everyone’s striving to get to the top four, that’s the priority. If Leicester finish in the Champions League spots they could attract the next players.

“It’s amazing. If they win the league it throws up so many questions. What a story.

“Vardy has signed a new contract –could they make this the norm? They could be here to stay.”

Owen is enjoying the most unpredictable season in the Premier League, but expects things to return to the norm next season.

“I think this season is a one off. But if Leicester win the league it could be the greatest ever sporting achievement, and not just in football,” he said.

England

The former England striker scored 40 goals in 89 caps, and he thinks England boss Roy Hodgson is going to have a hard time picking his strikers for Euro 2016 this summer.

“It all depends what tactics Roy Hodgson uses. He will play Rooney, maybe with Kane behind, or could go with Vardy.

“It could depend on the quality of opposition, and whether he wants to play on the break. I think Kane might get the nod,” he added.