World Cup 2010: playing time key to Michael Owens England return, says Fabio Capello

Bystaff and agencies Published: 3:21PM GMT twenty-four February 2010

Warning: Michael Owen is using out of time to stir Fabio Capello sufficient to secure a place in the World Cup patrol Photo: AP

Capello is in the routine of squeezing down his options prior to selecting a 23-man patrol for the World Cup 2010 finals in South Africa.

Owen has scored some-more goals for England than any alternative active player, but has struggled for first-team movement since fasten United last summer.

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He certified that he considers himself a "long shot" for inhabitant group preference and Capello told Italian sports every day Gazzetta dello Sport: "One of the players (the fans) would similar to to see me name is Owen.

"He is one of the majority appropriate English goalscorers of all-time but if he doesn"t play, I cannot collect him."

One player certain to underline exclusive damage is Owen"s United team-mate Wayne Rooney.

The 24-year-old has been in tip form this deteriorate and his performances have warranted Capello"s praise.

"Wayne is an unusual player, he is gifted and peaceful to learn," Capello said. "(Sir Alex) Ferguson has taught him so majority whilst I"ve usually had to gloss him.

"I have told him that he contingency have certain he plays inside the box and he contingency go on to measure goals.

"The depart of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United has since Rooney some-more shortcoming and he is right away constituent to their plans."

As for England"s ambitions this summer, Capello does not order out anything.

"A tip 4 finish? It would be a great thing," Capello said. "But I don"t similar to to solve for anything even though in the Premier League, I usually have 38 per cent of the players accessible for preference with apply oneself to 67 per cent of Italy and 63 per cent of Spain.

"Of the rivals, the ones that have tender me majority have been Brazil and Spain."