Former England striker turned TV pundit Michael Owen has compared Diego Costa being dropped for Euro 2016 by Spain to England axing Paul Gascoigne before the 1998 World Cup.
In his Euro 2016 preview, Owen told Mirror Online that he understands Vicente del Bosque’s decision to ditch Costa, over fears that the Chelsea striker could disrupt the dressing room if he wasn’t picked to start. Glenn Hoddle made a similar call as England manager in 1998 when he overlooked Paul Gascoigne before the World Cup.
Speaking about the situation, Owen said:
I suppose if you know you’re not going to be starting them, do you want them in the squad potentially disrupting the harmony in the camp? It’s similar to Gazza in ‘98. Hoddle wanted to start with Scholes and wasn’t sure about having Paul in the squad if he wasn’t playing so he overlooked him.
By agreeing with del Bosque’s selection, it appears that Owen has turned his back on the strikers’ union after the Spain manager left both Costa and former blue Fernando Torres out of the squad.
Despite Spain’s limited choice of four attackers, which includes just one household name, Alvaro Morata, Owen still believes they will be a strong force in France.
You have to think Spain will top the group but you could make a case for any of the others to finish in any order. Spain had a bit of an ageing squad at the World Cup two years ago and couldn’t stay the distance. Their squad looks fresher now with Saul Niguez, Thiago and Koke providing some youthful exuberance.
Euro 2016 kicks off in less than two weeks time on June 10th, and Spain’s first game will be against the Czech Republic on June 13th.
