But statistics indicate that Estonia will be no pushovers, despite losing all six qualifiers and failing to score a goal in the process.

They have only let in 11 goals in six games, including four in Israel when ravaged by injuries and suspensions, and at the weekend group leaders Croatia earned a narrow 1-0 win.

Owen said: “We need to win. If we do win, it will be a great result. But Estonia can defend all right because they only seem to lose by one or two goals as was shown against Croatia at the weekend.

“They are going to defend and we have seen it before when travelling to these sort of teams.

“If we get an early goal, we might be able to win by more than one goal but if we don’t it will be like most games and the sooner everyone understands these games away from home are tough, the better.”

Owen revealed the determination in the England camp to put in a professional performance after being booed by fans during the previous qualifier with Andorra.

He said: “Our opponents are always up for games – but I don’t think there is any team that has got the bit between the teeth like our lads.

“They take a lot of stick at times, sometimes unfairly. I don’t think anyone can question the heart they’ve got. If anything, the lads try too hard.”

The majority of the England players will take a much-needed break after tonight in the aftermath of an 11-month season following the World Cup last summer.

But Owen would welcome the chance to carry on playing after only just returning to action after recovering from his long-term knee injury.

The Newcastle player said: “I want the season to continue because I’ve only just started playing again and I’ve got great enthusiasm for the game.

“A lot of the players are looking forward to holidays after a long season. I am looking forward to playing.”