Capello: Door remains open for Owen

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward Owen has returned to form and fitness this season after three injury-ravaged years, but has been consistently overlooked by Capello.

"I know he played very well and scored a goal. I always said the door of the national team is open for all the players," Capello said on Monday.

Owen has hit three goals in his last two games and nine so far this season, although Capello did not see the 29-year-old's latest goal against Portsmouth on Sunday due to a holiday.

When asked about Owen's form, Capello said: "I don't know, I just arrived this morning and read the newspaper. I will check him in January and after that I will decide if he is ready, if he is OK for the next squad."

Owen is England's fourth-highest goalscorer but Capello insists he must be convinced of his fitness before selecting him again.

The Italian added: "It is important, I have to choose depending on my idea of the team.

"The most important thing is that he will be fit. The last three times he was not fit."

Capello is coming up to the first anniversary of his arrival in the job and is pleased with how he has lifted morale following the failure of previous boss Steve McClaren to qualify for Euro 2008.

He added: "The spirit of the squad, this is most important. Sometimes you can win one game because one player scores, but without the spirit it is not possible."