London  - Manchester United striker Michael Owen was again missing as Fabio Capello on Sunday named his squad for England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

England face Slovenia in a friendly Saturday, and then Croatia the following Wednesday, in a game in which a victory would guarantee their place in next summer's World Cup.

There were suggestions that a summer move to United would help Owen's cause, but just one goal so far for his new club has not swayed Capello.

The form of Jermain Defoe, who scored twice in England's last international, a 2-2 draw with Holland, may also have counted against Owen.

Centre-back Wes Brown is included in the absence of Rio Ferdinand with a thigh strain, while goalkeeper David James misses out with bone bruising.

England: <# Goalkeepers: Foster (Manchester United), Green (West Ham United), Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)

Defenders: Johnson (Liverpool), Brown (Manchester United), Upson (West Ham), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Lescott (Manchester City), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Lennon (Tottenham), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Barry (Manchester City), Lampard (Chelsea), Carrick (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool), A Young (Aston Villa), Milner (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Rooney (Manchester United), Heskey (Aston Villa), Defoe (Tottenham), C Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Tottenham) (dpa)