Fabio Capello insists the door has not slammed shut on Michael Owen's international career, despite rumours the Italian doesn't get on with the Newcastle striker.
Owen was struck down by a series of muscular problems, plus a dose of mumps, and the Newcastle man's only chance to impress coach Capello came in a 45-minute cameo against France in March ... the only game England have lost since the Italian got the job.
Owen Aiming For February Return!
By Nu Mad
Updated Friday, 21st November 2008
But England have a friendly with Spain in February and the Toon striker says he will do his best to make it difficult for the manager to leave him out of the squad.Owen does not meet his strict fitness criteria for international duty, because he has been missing from the Newcastle team ... but that is set to change at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
Fabio Capello: "The door is open for every player.
"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%. It is impossible to play at 60%.
"Owen did not come because in the last two games he played 20 minutes and 50 minutes. If he was okay, he would play all the game but he is not okay for the manager of Newcastle."
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