 Owen has been plagued by injuries this season
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England midfielder Frank Lampard says manager Fabio Capello has not shut the door on Newcastle striker Michael Owen.
Owen is yet to play under Capello and was recently referred to as England's "history" by the Italian.
But Lampard says the 29-year-old, who has scored 40 goals in 89 England caps, should not give up hope of a recall.
"Michael Owen is one of the best strikers ever to play for England and I am sure if he is fit and playing well, he will be in the team," said Lampard.
"His goal-scoring record is unbelievable, but he has been injured for a long time and Fabio does not feel he is ready to play," added the Chelsea man.
Lampard also insisted there is nothing personal between Owen and Capello and that his exclusion is just down to fitness and form.
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"Capello has shown he is a fair manager and has no personal agendas, he just wants to win games," said Lampard.
"The situation would be the same if I was injured or if Wayne Rooney is injured. If you are fit and playing well you will be in."
Lampard also warned his England team-mates about the threat of former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko ahead of Wednesday's game against Ukraine at Wembley.
The England midfielder played with the Ukrainian forward at Stamford Bridge for two seasons and although Shevchenko's time at Chelsea was not deemed to be a great success, Lampard has no doubt the 32-year-old will be a threat.
"Shevchenko is obviously a fantastic player," he said.
"He will be a huge threat to us, because he can produce something out of the blue.
"I think he had a few injury problems and settling-in problems when he was in England.
"But as soon as you hear the name Shevchenko, you know he is going to be a threat - and this is a game he will really be wanting to do well in."
England will record their fifth successive Group Six qualifying victory if they beat Ukraine on Wednesday.
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