The Newcastle United striker, who is recovering from a broken bone in his foot, had to undergo another surgery last Friday, raising doubts about making coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's cut.

"There is just one bit of the bone that needs another helping hand and Friday's operation, which went well, should do that," Owen told the Times on Monday.

"I expect to be playing in four weeks. That leaves plenty of time to get fit," he added.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool ace did admit he was worried when the doctor called him for Friday's operation, but thanks to his brother's encouragement, he dealt with the situation.

"I have to admit I was a bit down when the surgeon rang last week to say he was advising me to go back into hospital," Owen said.

"It was my brother who pointed out that there are still 11 weeks until the World Cup starts.

The 25-year-old talisman is on a tight recovery schedule as he will have until May 15 to prove to coach Eriksson he is ready.

"[I have] plenty of time to get my full fitness and, as for scoring goals, I have been doing that all my life and I will have all the same instincts when I am 50.

"There is always a scare or two before a tournament but, if this is as bad as it gets for England, then we should be pretty well off," he said.

Owen was initially injured in a Premiership game against Tottenham last December.