Owen Looks to Rooney for England Advice

Manchester United striker, Michael Owen has sought the advice of club team-mate, Wayne Rooney, on how to break into Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup.

Owen has spoken with Rooney about what the Italian expects as he desperately seeks to break into the England squad for South Africa.

Speaking to the Guardian, Owen said: "I've watched all the games. I know what the manager is looking for, even though I'm not there listening."

"For example, I ask Wayne, 'What does he expect when you've not got the ball?'

"So I have to stay in with it without thinking I'm part of it, because I'm not."

Speaking about first being overlooked by Capello, Owen said he felt "numb" - "It was really disappointing, upsetting".

"I was proper, proper fast at one point, and obviously I'm not now, so I've lost certain things, but when I was that fast I didn't need to do certain other things in a game.

"It was such a potent weapon. I was in the team to threaten in behind, to get the ball and run at players.

"But when I started losing that I had to find other ways to scare defenders. And that's how your game evolves.

"I'm much better now at timing the run and picking the moment and being able to spot something develop.

"I'd say my runs are more thought-out now."