Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie - Owen must earn recall
Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United new boy Michael Owen can not expect to reclaim his place in the England squad purely because of his past reputation.
Owen joined United on a free transfer in the summer from Newcastle United, and has impressed in pre-season after scoring four goals on the trip to Asia.
He has been tipped to earn a spot in the squad for next week's friendly against Holland, but has made just one appearance for England since Fabio Capello took over as coach.
United boss Ferguson believes the 29-year-old, who has scored 40 goals in 89 games for England, has a chance of securing a call-up for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.
However, Ferguson acknowledged that the former Liverpool striker must have a productive season with the Premier League champions if he is to get back into Capello's plans.
"The only consistent one over the last few years has been (Wayne) Rooney," said Ferguson. "They've tried (Emile) Heskey, (Peter) Crouch, even (Theo) Walcott.
"But there is a dearth of really top strikers in the country, so that gives Michael Owen a chance.
"He has shown some really clever stuff and I have been really pleased with him. That is all Fabio can look at. His reputation and name will not get him into the World Cup squad.
"It is what he does in the next season with us which will hopefully get him into the World Cup squad.
"Fabio has got to pick the best players and he is not going to name someone on his reputation of eight years ago."
