Source: Daily_Mail
Fabio's right to snub Owen - but I'd still take him to World Cup, claims Shearer
Alan Shearer has delivered a blow to his former partner-in-crime Michael Owen by insisting he doesn't deserve a place in the England squad. [LNB]The Manchester United striker has again been snubbed by Fabio Capello for Saturday's friendly with Brazil in Qatar and time is now running out in his bid to be picked for next summer's World Cup finals. [LNB]Shearer admits he would still take Owen to the World Cup but concedes that he faces a monumental task in booking a ticket to South Africa.[LNB] Race against time: Michael Owen is desperate to win a World Cup spot[LNB] [LNB]'You have to be honest and say if the squad was picked today then Michael wouldn't go - and I don't think I could justify picking him, either,' Shearer told the London Evening Standard. [LNB]'At the minute there's Rooney, Heskey, Crouch, Cole, Bent and Defoe. They all seem to be ahead of Michael at this time. [LNB]'But four or five months in football is a hell of a long time. There's a long way to go between now and when the squad is announced. Injuries can happen, form can slip. So the challenge is there for Michael to make his move.[LNB]Snubbed: Owen is out in the cold[LNB] [LNB]'First and foremost he has to get a chance at Old Trafford - he has to get into United's team and play. [LNB]'He's not starting regularly at the minute and he probably didn't expect to in the first couple of months because he had to settle in and show what he's worth. But now is the time. [LNB]'A Michael Owen who is firing on all cylinders will be an asset for England. But he's got to at least get in and start matches for his club - and only Sir Alex Ferguson knows if that's going to happen.[LNB]"I know Michael very well. He will score goals given chances and given a regular run in the team.[LNB]'His movement is excellent and his goal scoring record is second to none. You put all that together and he's still a force to be reckoned with. If it was my decision and he was playing I would take him. I wouldn't start him, but I would take him. [LNB]'I just think with his record and with his predatory instincts it could come in handy in a World Cup. The problem is at the minute there are six or seven names ahead of him right now. He will still score goals, I've got no doubt about that - if given chances. But so will Rooney, so will Defoe. So you have to say at this minute he's up against it.[LNB]'I can pick five now but whether it would be the same in six months time I don't know. It could be totally different. [LNB] Deadly duo: Alan Shearer and Owen during their England days[LNB]'In my mind Rooney is a must, Heskey too and Defoe. Those are the big three. Then Carlton Cole and Peter Crouch. [LNB]'I don't think you can take Michael as it stands, not in November. But on a level playing field if Michael was playing regularly then without a doubt I would take him. So Cole and Crouch need to be at the very top of their game between now and May.' [LNB] EXCLUSIVE: England boss Capello ends Michael Owen's World Cup dreamManchester United star Michael Owen insists: I'm on my way back to top formCapello: My torment over not picking United super-sub Owen for EnglandMANCHESTER UNITED FC
