The striker has seen very little action under Fabio Capello, managing just two friendlies and missing all of England’s World Cup qualifiers, but the 29-year-old says he knows what he has to do: to play well for Manchester United – and score goals.
“The last thing I want to do is start a campaign and say all the reasons why I could be or should be involved, I'm at ease with myself and the situation. I know what I've got to do and that's play well for Man United," he said.
“I need to play well and score goals for United. If I do that then I could get picked.
“But I don't lie awake at night thinking about it. It's a simple equation, play well and you will be in, don't play well and you won't be in.”
Owen demonstrated his goalscoring knack by netting a vital last-minute winner against Manchester City, and the forward feels that his ability can carry him into the squad.
“I've always been optimistic. I've never changed as a player. I will always score goals and I have got the record to show that. I think everyone knows what they will get from me and I have proven that at World Cups before.”
As England’s first-choice striker between 1998 and 2006, Owen has notched up 40 goals for the Three Lions.
However, since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the 2006 World Cup he has seen his first-team opportunities limited by setbacks and niggles during his rehabilitation.
“It's obviously nice to see England doing so well, but unfortunately every time a squad comes along I seem to have picked up a slight injury, like this time,” he said.
“Even though I'm back to fitness now and at Newcastle I was maybe a bit out of form, there has always been a reason. There's no excuses, I just need to play well for my club and score a few goals.”
