Fabio Capello insists that Michael Owen will not be in England's
World Cup squad if he continues to sit on the sidelines for
Manchester United.
Capello is finalising his plans for this summer's showpiece
in South Africa and will have a good idea as to the make-up of the
squad he would like to take with him.
There are, however, a few places still up for grabs, with a
number of players pushing hard for a place in the final 23-man
travelling party.
Owen is among those regularly mentioned as a World Cup
possibility, with the experienced frontman chasing down Sir Bobby
Charlton's all-time scoring record.
He has been unable to hold down a starting berth at Old
Trafford this season, though, and Capello insists he will not break
his selection philosophy for a player short on big-match practice.
"Am I under pressure to call upon certain players?" Capello
said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
"A lot of people would like to see me select Owen. He is the
best English goalscorer of his generation but if he doesn't play, I
cannot pick him."
One man guaranteed to make the cut, providing he can steer
clear of injury, is Owen's United team-mate Wayne Rooney.
The 24-year-old has been in blistering form this season and
Capello admits he can now rightly be regarded as one of the finest
talents in world football.
"Rooney compared to (Lionel) Messi?" he said.
"They are two players that everyone would like to have, along
with Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Wayne is an extraordinary player, talented and willing to
learn. (Sir Alex) Ferguson has taught him so much.
"I have told him that he must make sure he plays inside the
box and he must continue to score goals.
"The departure of Ronaldo at Manchester United has empowered
him and is now integral to their plans."
