The Newcastle United striker could add two more caps to his total of 89 in England's forthcoming friendlies against the USA on Wednesday, and Trinidad and Tobago on June 1.

Owen is only nine strikes behind Charlton's record of 49 goals, and admits that if he joins David Beckham in the ton-up club, he could go close to the record in the process.

"It would be a very proud moment if I was ever lucky enough to get it,"

Owen said. "The two elements are staying fit and being in good form, and if you do them two, then I would be hopeful one day I can get it.

"It sounds nothing – 11 caps to go – but at international level that is either a year-and-a-half or two years, so it isn't easy, and that puts David's 100 caps and achievement into perspective. He has been fantastic."

The 28-year-old is fourth on the list of England's all-time goalscorers list, with Jimmy Greaves (on 44) and Gary Lineker (on 48) the only men between him and Charlton's total.

And Owen insists there is no reason why he can't get there in the next three years.

"Again it is something that is a long way off, but being on 40, although I wouldn't say it is an easy target, realistically there is a chance if I play regularly over the next two or three years. There is half a chance that I could get close to it," he said.

"It's quite a tough one, but maybe achievable. They almost interlink – if I can stay fit and stay in the team and play well, I might have a chance."

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