Pearce: Door not closed on Owen

Stuart Pearce has echoed Fabio Capello's sentiments by stating the international door is still open for Michael Owen.
The 89-cap and 40-goal England ace was not included in Capello's last squad despite making his Newcastle United comeback recently following a stint on the sidelines.

Despite a number of knocks to England's frontline ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, Owen remains overlooked raising question marks whether his international days are behind him.

However, Pearce believes Capello was right not to include Owen over due to recent match practice and says the former Real Madrid and Liverpool man will be recalled once he proves his form and fitness.

When asked if Pearce had an opinion on Owen's omission, he replied on Sky Sports News: "Yeah the same as Fabio's. He hadn't played enough football.

"The one thing Fabio doesn't do is shut the door for anyone. It's been mentioned maybe that certain individuals may be out of time and that the door has been shut, but that's not the case.

"I don't find that. They are not the words that Fabio uses and his actions are not like that either. Anyone that's on form, that's fit and playing for their club will get the opportunity.

"He's certainly shown that with the squad of Under 21s where he's been happy to call up the likes of Gabby (Agbonlahor), James (Milner), Theo (Walcott) and Aaron (Lennon) and Joe (Hart). All of these players have been given the opportunity because their form is good enough."

Frank Lampard believes when Owen is back to full fitness and scoring goals that Capello will hand the Newcastle United striker a chance to win back his place in the side.

"Everyone has an opinion on the England team. Michael Owen no doubt is one of the best strikers to play for England. He's got unbelievable ability.

"When it comes down to any individual Capello's shown that it's down to whether you're fit and ready to play in the England team which I think Michael's been injured for a long time.

"For me it's understandable that he would say himself that he's not ready. If you deserve to be in the England squad you'll be there. He'll pick the squad on its merits."