“Thanks a lot, Wayne”

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. In his mind’s eye, Michael Owen was supposed to join Man United in a shock move, produce a season of goals galore partnering Wayne Rooney, then return to the England fold like the prodigal son… only slightly less exciting.

Yet, instead, he’s been forced to sit on the bench listening to Phil Collins mix tapes, as Rooney hits the form of his life as an out-and-out goal machine.

Speaking to Radio Five Live, Owen said this:

“That he (Rooney) is playing so well is unfortunate for me, because it means I get less. Of course I want to play a bit more, but I have had some cracking times already at United. I have played in something like 25 games, and whenever I am called upon I am fit and ready”

“You never give up but me getting back in the England squad is, in racing terms, a long shot. It has been a long time since I was called up.”

Begging the question - has Rooney buggered up Owen’s World Cup dreams? Were they already buggered anyway? Or is there still room for him in Capello’s squad?

Let us know with a vote and a comment.