Nicky Butt to Fabio Capello: Michael Owen still has much to offer England

Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Fabio Capello against writing off Newcastle United team-mate Michael Owen too quickly. Not over yet: Michael Owen can be a force for England once he finds fitness Photo: GETTY IMAGES The England head coach saw Owen miss a gilt-edged chance when he went to see him in action for Newcastle against Fulham last weekend but Butt insisted his colleague is still way some way short of his best form due to recent injuries. Owen, 28, has not started a game for over a month due to a groin problem and when he emerged as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage he failed to grasp the chance to impress Capello. But Butt has leaped to the defence of the Newcastle skipper who he played alongside during the 2002 World Cup finals. "Michael is just taking his time to come back... [read full story]