Michael Owen remains open to England

Stoke City striker Michael Owen has reiterated a desire to play for England.

The 32-year-old, who has scored 40 goals for the Three Lions, has not played for his country since 2008.

However, the former Manchester United forward has insisted that he is open to the idea of returning to international football.

"Some people think I've retired from [international] football full stop. No, I'd never do that really," he told BBC Sport.

"I have to perform well for my club and if I do that there might be an outside chance of getting back. I don't go to bed thinking of playing for England again. It would be a bonus, but I need to get back on pitch and rediscover my goalscoring touch.

"It ain't easy playing for England. The pressure, the time away from families, tournaments. You're sat in your hotel room staring at four white walls. It's a long stint and mentally draining.

"It's a very intense feeling playing for your country. I don't think people express themselves as well as they do at club level. At that level you feel loved, the fans are on side, you're playing week in week out. There's certainly a bit of fear."

England face San Marino in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on Friday.