England boss Fabio Capello insists the door to international football is still open for Michael Owen.
The Newcastle striker has been overlooked by the Italian coach in his last three squads, with concerns lingering over his fitness.
However, with the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man finding the net with increasing regularity this term, there have been calls for him to be returned to the fold once the 2010 World Cup qualifiers resume in April.
Capello claims to have been kept well informed in regards to Owen's progress this season and has refused to rule out the possibility of the Magpies ace being welcomed back into the fold in the near future.
"I know he has been playing very well and scoring goals," he said.
"I have always said that the door to the national team is open for every player. I will check on him and then I will decide if it is okay for him to play.
"I have to decide what to do with the team and what he can give to the side. The most important thing will be that he is fit. The last three times he has not been fit."
Capello also reiterated his policy of only picking players that are playing regularly at club level, insisting David Beckham will not feature if he has not been in action with AC Milan.
"We will check on him as well," he added.
"If he does not play then he will not be with us. It is the same for all the players, we check and speak with other coaches and then decide on the squad."
One man who could come into contention, perhaps with a friendly date against Slovakia in March in mind, is Aston Villa winger James Milner.
With Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor having already forced their way into the international reckoning this term, Capello admits that he has been impressed with the exciting young squad assembled by Martin O'Neill at Villa Park.
"I am very happy with the players at Aston Villa," said the national coach.
"They are young, interesting players. I always follow their performances. Another player I like is Milner, he is young. The future looks good."
Capello has led England to five consecutive victories, a run of results which has them well placed to book their place in South Africa in two years' time.
The Italian claims his success is based purely on restoring belief in a side which had seen its fragile confidence knocked at regular intervals prior to his arrival.
"I am happy with the results and what we have achieved," he said.
"The spirit is good and we have recovered the confidence. That was important.
"Without the spirit it is impossible to win. Sometimes you can win one game because one player plays well, but without spirit this is very hard."
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