Manchester United striker Michael Owen has been told his England career is still intact.

Owen's slim hopes of a World Cup call-up were ruined when he pulled a hamstring in the Carling Cup final last month.

But Owen, 30, has been thrown a lifeline by England coach Stuart Pearce, who says there is still hope under Fabio Capello.

Pearce said: "It's wrong to say Michael's international career is over and that Fabio doesn't like him.

"He picks the squad on merit and the door is still open for Michael."