For a high-profile footballer Michael Owen's demeanour before journalists on Thursday indicated he was fuming.
The professional sportsperson is, of course, renowned for offering little true opinion or any indication as to how they may really feel. While this can be frustrating, it is often because there is no choice. Changing room omerta ensures that stability and togetherness are not undermined by loose talk.
But Owen, an intelligent man, was happy enough to volunteer having had an exchange of views with the England management following the opening group match against Paraguay last Saturday when he was substituted. He then went further and offered names and details of that conversation.
This is very rare. And his reaction when asked if he felt surprised at being taken off again against Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday was telling. Specific details can be read in the Observer tomorrow and, as Sven-Goran Eriksson is speaking today, there may be an answer as to whether the man who has scored 36 goals for England had a second chat to follow up the initial one.
Jamie Jackson is an Observer sports writer
