England discard Michael Owen has effectively written off his chances of making Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad (11/4 To Reach The Final) this summer.

The Manchester United striker has won 89 caps and scored 40 goals for his country but seems unlikely to add to his tally in the near future, with Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey all above the 30-year-old in the pecking order.

Owen told the BBC: “It’s been a long time since I was in the England squad.

“You never give up but it’s probably a long shot in racing terms.”

Capello is set to name his squad this weekend for the friendly against Egypt on March 3.

Owen has not played for England in almost two years.