England boss Fabio Capello will again overlook Manchester United striker Michael Owen for next week's friendly against Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia on September 9.

The Daily Mail says Owen scored his first Barclays Premier League goal for Manchester United against Wigan last weekend and must have hoped to catch Capello's attention.

But the England manager does not even plan to watch United's encounter with Arsenal this weekend, opting instead to check on the fitness and form of Joleon Lescott and David James at the clash between Portsmouth and Manchester City.

While Wayne Rooney is shining most prominently for United, Jermain Defoe, Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey have also been impressive for their clubs.

The form of Defoe has become a real obstacle for Owen, especially when he is scoring goals for England as well as Tottenham.