Capello insists international door is still open for Owen

10:20am Friday 21st November 2008

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FABIO Capello insists the door has not slammed shut on Michael Owen’s international career.

Owen became only the fourth England player to score 40 goals for his country 14 months ago when he bagged a brace in a win over Russia that seemed destined to send the Three Lions to Euro 2008.

Steve McClaren’s side could not complete the job and, with Owen struck down by a series of muscular problems, plus a dose of mumps, the Newcastle man’s only chance to impress Capello came in a 45-minute cameo against France in March, the only game England have lost since the Italian got the job.

A suspicion prevails that Capello does not want a ‘mere’ goalscorer in his squad – that the Italian feels strikers should contribute much more to the team.

It is hard to disagree with his philosophy at the end of a successful first year in charge that concluded with victory over Germany in Berlin.

Seven years ago, Owen was getting all the headlines for his hat-trick in an even more stunning triumph masterminded by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

It is hard to escape the conclusion that, even though Owen is yet to celebrate his 29th birthday and there are others in Capello’s plans, notably David Beckham, who have far more years on the clock, the former Liverpool star is yesterday’s man.

If fully fit and firing, it will be instructive to see whether Owen figures in the squad Capello names for the friendly with Spain in February.

For now, the England coach can hide behind the fact Owen does not meet his strict fitness criteria for international duty.

“The door is open for every player,” confirmed Capello.

“At this moment I am selecting the players who are in the best physical condition.

“To play at international level you have to be 100 per cent. It is impossible to play at 60 per cent.

“Owen did not come because in the last two games he played 20 minutes and 50 minutes.

“If he was OK, he would play all the game but he is not OK for the manager of Newcastle.”