Michael Owen must rediscover his scoring touch before he will be considered for an England recall, said Three Lions coach Fabio Capello. Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle frontman Owen won the most recent of his 89 caps against France in March 2008, but his move to Old Trafford this summer has provided him with the platform to return from the international wilderness, in time for next summer's World Cup.

"I think it is a fantastic chance for Owen to play another time with a really important team and in the Champions League," said Capello.

"It is another chance and that is really important for the player. The door is open.

"He has to play well and score goals. He has to get back to what he was before last season."

When asked if he believed Owen could rediscover the form that saw him score 40 goals for England during a career that began in February 1998, Capello replied: "It is very important to play with an important team.

"He is young, he is only 29. He is not old, so why not?"

"We choose the players in form at the right moment," said Capello.

"Rooney is in a good moment of form. It is important for the future to know the movement better, it will be easier for both of them.

"I want to keep the spirit of the group, to stay together, to prepare for the next really important game against Croatia. It's very important to play well and I will choose the best."