Owen Included in England B Squad

Michael Owen has been included in the England B squad to play Albania at Burnley's Turf Moor ground on 25 May.

Michael Owen has been included in the England B squad to play Albania at Burnley's Turf Moor ground on 25 May.

Owen Included in England B Squad ảnh 1
Owen is aiming to build up his match fitness and sharpness

Newcastle striker Owen, 27, has played just two games after suffering knee ligament damage against Sweden at the 2006 World Cup last summer.

England coach Steve McClaren told the Football Association's website that Owen's return was a "massive boost".

"Any side at international level would miss a player with Michael's goalscoring pedigree," he said.

"I know the rest of the squad will be delighted to have Michael back as he is a proven top-class international goalscorer.

"He has done well to get back to fitness with Newcastle and I am sure the crowd will be excited about seeing him back in an England shirt at Burnley.

"I am excited about the prospect of being able to pick him and this will be great preparation for the games with Brazil and Estonia."

McClaren has also included five players who have yet to make their senior national team debut.

The players in question are Michael Dawson, Joleon Lescott, Nicky Shorey, David Bentley and Phil Jagielka.

The only Manchester United player in the squad is striker Alan Smith while there are no players from Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool in the squad.

Bolton duo Kevin Nolan and Kevin Davies had been touted for call-ups but have missed out in what will be a blow to their hopes of gaining international recognition.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, who made his England debut against Spain in January, has been suspended by his club and has been left out.

But it will be Owen's return which will be McClaren's main concern.

England will be with the suspended Wayne Rooney and injured Andy Johnson in attack for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on 6 June and Owen's return would be a major boost.

The forward returned in the Magpies defeat at reading when he played the full 90 minutes before against completing a full match in the defeat against Blackburn.

He is again set to play at Watford on the final day of the Premiership this season on Sunday as he builds up his match fitness and sharpness.

The England B international will also give him that chance as well as the friendly at Wembley against Brazil on 1 June before the Estonia game.

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