Owen and Jenas out of England friendlies
Friday, 23 May 2008 16:48
Michael Owen out of England friendlies against USA and Trinidad
Michael Owen and Jermaine Jenas have been withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against USA and Trinidad and Tobago.
Newcastle United striker Owen, who had been hoping to impress England manager Fabio Capello in a bid to win back his regular starting spot, has "an infectious virus" according to the Football Association.
Midfielder Jenas has enjoyed a productive season with
Tottenham Hotspur and impressed enough to be considered in Capello's starting lineup for his first match in charge - a friendly at home to Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland.
Earlier this year Capello proclaimed that any players who wished to considered for England on a regular basis should not withdraw from the squad unless they had good reason to do so.
That announcement followed the controversy of last summer when
Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Bentley announced he would not join up with the senior England squad, citing fatigue after the domestic season.
The England squad for next Wednesday's match against the United States at Wembley has met up for the first time today.
However, nine players who were involved in the Champions League final between
Manchester United and
Chelsea have been given an extra day off and will report for duty on Saturday.
This applies to Blues players John Terry, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge; and Red Devils stars Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves.
Former captain and LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has also been given additional time off. He will report to the training camp on Sunday following his team's MLS fixture against Kansas City Wizards.