England’s 40-goal striker Michael Owen fears Newcastle’s poor form in the Premier League could affect his international career.

Owen, having not long returned from injury, was left on the bench for new England manager Fabio Capello’s first match in charge against Switzerland last month.

And the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward has struggled to make an impact at club level since then due to Newcastle’s alarming slide towards the bottom of the table.

The 28-year-old told BBC Radio Five Live: “When you are down, it’s hard to be listened to.

“Results are not going well and, when you are not playing well as a team and individually, then individuals will not get picked for the national team.”

Newcastle are just three points above the relegation zone having not won since Kevin Keegan took over as manager in January.