There were some who suggested Owen's summer move to Manchester United would offer an instant way back into the England team.
Thankfully that has not been the case.
He has not produced international form - not even Premiership form - or he would be a first team regular for the Red Devils.
Victory for England in the Croatia game will confirm their presence in South Africa.
Full squad: Foster (Manchester United), Green (West Ham), Robinson (Blackburn), Johnson (Liverpool), Brown (Manchester United), Upson (West Ham), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Lescott (Manchester City), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Manchester City), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Lennon (Tottenham), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Barry (Manchester City), Lampard (Chelsea), Carrick (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool), A Young (Aston Villa), Milner (Aston Villa), Rooney (Manchester United), Heskey (Aston Villa), Defoe (Tottenham), C Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Tottenham).
WORLD CUP BALL UP FOR GRABS -
We have been contacted by a gentleman who has a football signed by Sir Bobby Robson's World Cup squad. It is to be auctioned at a charity event. If you want to make an offer ... contact:
colerainetempest@menarys.com
He says: "That’s great, it would be a good help it’s a charity event and the proceeds of the whole event and also the auction are going to charity."
England World Cup football signed by the team and Sir Bobby Robson.
handsigned in red marker by the following
Sir Bobby Robson
Peter Shilton
Peter Beardsley
Gary Lineker
Paul Gascoigne
Des Walker
Steve Hodge
Chris Woods
Bryan Robson
Steve Bull
David Platt
Paul Parker
Steve McMahon
Chris Waddle
Tony Dorigo
Neil Webb
Terry Butcher
John Barnes