Fabio Capello said last week that the issue of a possible international memorial for Michael Owen is one that is beginning to haunt him. It seems that the feeling is mutual.

Owen wants to add to his 89 England caps is not in doubt. Nor is the quality he would bring a team not exactly filled with world class center, which he fully fit and in shape.

But, as Owen is willing to replace new father Wayne Rooney for Manchester United in the Champions League, he was the subject of a return to the England ranks is not something that takes its mind.Asked a good performance tonight against CSKA Moscow England would help his chances, Owen said: “Yes, I guess. You should be careful what you say, if your words twisted. But it’s not something I really think of now.

“The last team I was a year ago, it is something that a lot of  probably talking about much more than I think.
“I want to play for England, this is the key. But if I do I do if I do not, I do not.
“But first things first – I want to play well and score for Manchester United.
“I’m not going to sleep when I think that this result would affect the United Kingdom. England can take care of itself.”

Owen’s public statements is a bit strange, because the U.S. gave him the chance to revive his career after his release from Newcastle United in thesummer. More often than not, he seemed sensitive and defensive.