Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand isn't surprised by England boss Fabio Capello's hardline stance towards Newcastle striker Michael Owen.

He said: "I was worried about losing my place when I was injured because it meant someone else could stake his claim. I want to be pushing my cause.

"Look at Michael Owen, he has 40 goals in 89 appearances. You would have said he was bang on to get 100 and that it would be a given he's in every squad if he is fit. But this manager sees it from a different angle.

"If you're not fit enough, or you're not on form, you won't get in the squad … and rightly so."