Source: SKY_Sports
Lee: Owen not finished
Despite his latest snub by manager Fabio Capello, Newcastle United legend Rob Lee believes Michael Owen still has a future with England.
The 29-year-old striker was overlooked by Capello for the upcoming qualifier against Slovakia but speaking to Sky Sports News, Lee reckons he will be in contention once he gets back amongst the goals at club level.
"As a squad player I think Michael should be in; he's still out best natural goalscorer," said Lee, who was a member of England's World Cup squad in 1998.
"It's very difficult to put him in the team at the moment because of the way Capello is playing - with one striker up front and someone playing off him - and because Michael hasn't played much football.
"The first thing for Michael is to get back playing for Newcastle and score the goals that will keep them up. He's only 29 and I still believe he has a future with England."
Owen has been sidelined for a large chunk of the season through injury, yet is continually linked with a move away from Tyneside this summer.
Irrespective of what club Owen's at in August Lee thinks that, provided he gets a run of games under his belt, he can force his way into Capello's plans.
"I believe that once he puts his injury problems behind him he will be back in an England shirt," said Lee. "If you're playing two up front, with one off a big man as Michael has done before with Emile Heskey and Alan Shearer, there is no one better.
"People say he has lost his pace but there is no better goal-poacher. If you give Michael chances he'll score goals at any level."
