Lee Newman will be watching Michael Owen trying to get the better of Brent Sancho tomorrow - just 11 months after attempting to do the same thing.

Sancho will line up in central defence for Trinidad and Tobago as they take on England in Nuremberg in a Group B clash.

The big stopper had a cracking game in Trinidad's opening World Cup clash with Sweden on Saturday when they defied the odds to secure a goalless draw.

Less than a year ago Sancho was turning out for Albion against Lewes at the Dripping Pan in a pre-season friendly and Sussex-born striker Newman was up against him.

Newman had to have a think before recalling his clash with a man who stands between England and qualification for the last 16.

He said: "All I remember is him being big, strong and powerful but he can't have been that good because Brighton didn't sign him.

"I was watching him the other day and then I remembered the link.

"It was early pre-season and a helter-skelter game. We only had about 45 minutes each - I think he went off early in the second half.

"We played pretty well. It was a close game and I remember Colin Kazim-Richards scoring his first goal for Brighton with a penalty."

Sancho played one more trial game for Albion but was not offered a contract and subsequently joined Gillingham.

Newman, meanwhile, found chances limited at Lewes. He joined Maidenhead before finishing the season at Eastbourne Borough, where he has committed himself to for next season.

Before then, Newman will be watching tomorrow and telling his mates Michael Owen and Peter Crouch are taking on the same player that marked him at the Dripping Pan.

Newman said: "It is a bit strange to see him out there but Trinidad are a small nation and they do not have many players to choose from.

"I am sure he will enjoy playing at the World Cup more than he did playing at the Dripping Pan."