Manchester United striker Michael Owen has been told that his England career is not over, despite being ruled out of the World Cup with injury.

The Manchester United striker's slim hopes of a summer call-up were ruined when he pulled a hamstring in the Carling Cup final last month.

But Owen, 30, has been thrown a lifeline by England coach Stuart Pearce, who said there is still hope of Owen playing under Fabio Capello, The Sun reports.

Pearce said: "It's wrong to say Michael's international career is over and that Fabio doesn't like him."

"He picks the squad on merit and the door is still open for Michael," he added. (ANI)