Capello - Door open for Owen

Striker must be 100% fit to be considered for recall

Last updated: 21st November 2008

Michael Owen England

Owen: Has an England future

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England coach Fabio Capello insists Michael Owen can still have an international future once he is fully fit.

Owen's England career has stalled since Capello took charge, with the Newcastle United striker appearing in just one of the Italian's opening 10 games.

The 28-year-old's sole appearance during the Capello regime came as a second-half substitute against France in March, which has been the national team's only defeat of 2008.

He was left out of Capello's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Germany after making just three substitute appearances for Newcastle since early October.

Magpies interim boss Joe Kinnear felt Owen merited a place in England's plans, while his omission again sparked debate over his international future.

But Capello says he will not close the door on Owen being recalled as he sticks by his policy of only selecting players who are 100 per cent fit.

Impossible

"The door is open for every player," confirmed Capello.

"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."