England boss Fabio Capello wasn't even in Europe for Manchester United striker Michael Owen's hat-trick against Wolfsburg this week.

Owen, who turns 30 next week, was United's match-winner against Wolfsburg on Tuesday, rekindling memories of the three goals he scored when England beat Germany 5-1 in Munich eight years ago.

It took the striker's record to a highly credible seven goals in eight starts for United since his move from Newcastle.

However, Capello was 6,000 miles away in South Africa at the time, working on arrangements for the World Cup finals.

The England manager has not seen Owen play live since November 8, when he came off the bench for the last five minutes in a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Capello will not see him play this weekend, either. United are at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, but the Italian and his assistant, Franco Baldini, are not expected back until next week.