Owen Hargreaves could still make 'enormous contribution' for England

Owen Hargreaves could still earn an England recall, according to Manchester City’s chief football operations officer Brian Marwood.The 30-year-old was without a club until being signed by Roberto Mancini's men on transfer deadline day, but was a key part of the Three Lions set-up under Sven-Goran Eriksson, earning 42 caps, and won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008.However, he has suffered from severe tendonitis over the last three years, causing widespread doubts over his fitness, which led to his release from the Red Devils at the end of his contract in the summer. Marwood told BBC Radio Five Live's 'Sportsweek': "We are all hopeful he can stay healthy because he can make an enormous contribution not only to Manchester City, but potentially to the England national team.""Everybody is delighted for Owen because it has been well documented the injury problems he has had over recent years,"Marwood added."He has worked hard to get back to the level of fitness at which he can compete in the Premier League."Marwood also noted a potential role back in the England squad for Manchester United striker Michael Owen, who has acknowledged he is unlikely to be a part of Fabio Capello’s plans. He continued: "Both Michael and Owen are quality players and they can still add an awful lot to the England squad. "But they need game and training time, if they do get that, then there is no reason why either of them should not force themselves back into the England squad."Hargreaves scored on his debut for the Eastlands club in an impressive showing against Birmingham City in the League Cup on Wednesday, and Marwood is pleased with his club’s good start to the season after the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday saw them draw level with Manchester United on 16 points at the top of the table. "Anybody would want that sort of points return from the games we have played, but we are also realistic enough to know the season is still very early. There will be many twists and turns before we reach May," he added."We have definitely seen a progression of the team and the squad."It takes time for players to adapt, but we feel now the squad is very close and together, the performances have reflected that."