Frank Lampard: I still believe a fit Michael Owen can return for England

The Newcastle striker was overlooked when injuries to Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole ruled them out of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley and Darren Bent was called up as a replacement.

With Gabriel Agbonlahor also unavailable due to his exertions with the Under-21's, it appears Owen's stock has never been lower on the international stage.

It is a dramatic fall from grace for a player who has an excellent strike record of 40 goals in 89 appearances.

On this occasion, fitness is relevant mitigation given the 29-year-old has just returned from an ankle injury and has played in only two games for his club since the end of January. Lampard said: "Everyone has an opinion on the England team and there are a lot of quality players out there. Michael Owen is probably the best striker who used to play for England. He's got unbelievable ability but when it comes down to it, and I think Capello has shown this more than anyone, it's about whether you are fit first and foremost and ready to be in the England team.

"Michael has been injured for a long time. I don't know exactly how his fitness levels are and it's understandable if he says he is not ready.

"I am sure if Michael is fit and playing well, just the same as if myself, Wayne Rooney or anyone is, if you deserve to be in the England squad, you will be there.

"I think the door will always be open for Michael Owen. The manager is very straight.

"He isn't one to play games or have any personal issues with anyone.

"He wants to win and he'll pick the squad on merits. He's the one who will tell you if the door is open or shut but I am sure the answer will be the same if people are performing and fit, then they will have a chance of getting in the England squad."

While Owen's goalscoring record is unquestionable, the argument against his inclusion by Capello is partially based on the notion his movement and touch is no longer what it was.

A series of injuries resulted in an undoubted loss of pace when compared to the blistering 18-year-old who tore Argentina apart in the 1998 World Cup.

Whether that has manifested itself in a loss of sharpness is debatable, but it is clear from England's recent progression that tempo and complex interplay are cornerstones of Capello's philosophy for this team.

For the opening period of Saturday's 4-0 win over Slovakia, England excelled in this area and Lampard said: "The movement all felt very good. The passing was quick and we were cutting through them.

"I was slightly disappointed with the way we didn't follow that through after 15 minutes. It would have been nice to do that for a longer period of time.

"But we certainly showed in that period that when we move the ball that quickly and get the movement with Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Lennon on the right, we can cause teams a lot of problems. It is something we will try and work on to sustain that for a longer period of time."

Lampard appears increasingly comfortable in a slightly more withdrawn role in central midfield alongside Gareth Barry which still enables him to get forward when possible, as exemplified by England's third goal last weekend.

Such fluidity comes with a freedom of expression and there are clear signs that England are slowly transforming into the Italian's desired mould.
Barry said: "The manager has installed confidence back into the players. Not qualifying for Euro 2008 left everyone downbeat. Everyone knows we have got world-class players here.

"If confidence can be installed into them and we can work as a team we can match anyone on our day and we won't take our foot off the gas."

Ukraine represent a stern test that will complicate Group Six should England fail.

Capello's side are five points ahead of Ukraine, but have a game in hand and are still to host England in October.

A lack of strikers would perhaps have fazed recent incarnations of this England side, but such is the belief in the camp that Lampard believes they can cope with minimal fuss.

"Its a slight worry but Peter Crouch will be fit and Darren Bent has been called in after playing well for Tottenham," said the Chelsea midfielder.