England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Owen eyes England return

08 Oct 2009 - 10:32:03

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Manchester United striker Michael Owen still believes he can return to the England team.

The 29-year-old, who won the last of his 89 caps against France in March 2008, has once again been left out of Fabio Capello's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus.

However, Owen hopes that his summer transfer from Newcastle United to Old Trafford can help to revive his international career, saying: "It's obviously nice to see England doing so well, but unfortunately every time a squad comes along I seem to have picked up a slight injury, like this time.

"Even though I'm back to fitness now and at Newcastle I was maybe a bit out of form, there has always been a reason. There's no excuses, I just need to play well for my club and score a few goals.

"I've always been optimistic. I've never changed as a player. I'll always score goals and I've got the record to show that. I think everyone knows what they'll get from me and I've proved that at World Cups before.

"The last thing I want to do is start a campaign and say all the reasons why I could be or should be involved, I'm at ease with myself and the situation. I know what I've got to do and that's play well for Manchester United.

"There is plenty more to life if I'm not picked in the England squad. I'm playing for a top, top team playing for top honours, so we'll see where it takes us.

"I need to play well and score goals for United. If I do that then I could get picked. But I don't lie awake at night thinking about it. It's a simple equation, play well and you will be in, don't play well and you won't be in."