Owen's World Cup desire
The 21-year-old Canadian-born midfielder ended speculation on his international future on September 1 of last year, when he came on as a substitute during England's 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich.
Since then, Hargreaves has not really figured in Sven Goran-Eriksson's recent squads, instead being available for call-ups by David Platt's England Under-21 outfit.
However, after being named to the England squad for Wednesday's World Cup warm-up friendly against Italy at Elland Road, Hargreaves made it known that he is ready to make an impact now at the international level.
Hargreaves said: "People say that I am one for the future - but I think the future is now. I am ready. Why not play for England now?
"I play regularly in the Champions League, so now I have to play for the national side.
"It's only two months until the World Cup but there are enough games left for me to impress Mr. Eriksson.
"I'm not in the public eye but it's not a big deal that I don't play every week in front of the English media or English fans.
"I am happy. I play in the Champions League - a lot of English players don't have that kind of experience.
"I plan to be involved in the World Cup this summer and I'll do everything I can over the next two months to stay healthy and play well.
"That should be enough. I don't even think about not being involved."
Born of an English father and a Welsh mother, Hargreaves has already won a Champions League medal last season and the Inter-Continental Cup this year in Tokyo.
Formerly eligible to play for Canada, Wales, and Germany - Hargreaves made his England debut last August against Holland but has yet to get a chance to play in the central midfield role he usually plays for Bayern.
He added: "I don't regret choosing England. I am sure I will get another chance soon.
"The first time I got involved was great. David Beckham helped me to settle and that was a great help.
"He came up to me and said: 'Glad to have you with us. Anything you need, give me a shout.' He was really good.
"But I'm not a one-cap wonder. I'm confident I can play for England. Now it's up to Mr. Eriksson to give me the chance.
"He sends people out to watch my games and I have spoken to him a few times.
"And if Mr. Erikkson wants to see me play himself, he can - every week on T.V.
"We have great games all the time, just like in England."
Much has happened for Hargreaves in a short space of time since joining Bayern from Canada at 16, but he is not taking anything for granted at the moment.
He said: "I don't have time to think what has happened to me in Germany and I don't want to.
"When you dwell on what has been you let up and people get a chance to overtake you.
"I always look to the future. And I want that to include playing for my country."
