London: Michael Owen has made it to an England squad for the first time since badly injuring his right knee at last year’s World Cup.

The 27-year-old Newcastle United striker has been named in an experienced 20-man squad to play Albania on May 25 at Burnley in an unofficial B match.

Owen has played in Newcastle’s last two Premier League games after recovering from the ligament rupture he sustained against Sweden on June 20.

England’s last B game was a World Cup preparation match on May 25 last year, and was Owen’s first game in a return from nearly six months out with a broken foot. England B lost to Belarus 1-2.

“Michael Owen’s return from injury is a massive boost,” England coach Steve McClaren said. (Reuters)