Manchester United’s Michael Owen has been frustrated by his attempts to make team England in the last few years, but he took exception to a headline on Sky Sports that read “Owen gives up on England” and went on Twitter to express his displeasure. The broadcast website, in turn, changed the headline on the story and clarified Owen’s remarks.
In the initial story (available thanks to Yahoo! Cache), the lede read,
“Manchester United striker Michael Owens admits he has given up hope of being selected for England by Fabio Capello. The 31-year-old has not featured for his country since playing in a friendly against France in March 2008.
AdvertisementOwen has been continually overlooked by Capello and the former Liverpool man admits he is upset by his exclusion.
“I’ve given up trying to understand,” said Owen. “I’ve not given up on England. It’s come to an abrupt stop under this manager. You’d have a better idea than me [why that is].
“I was disappointed for the first squad I missed, a little bit less for the next one and after about three or four times, I didn’t really expect to see my name,” admitted Owen.
“For the first couple of squads I looked at the players [named] and looked at what I had done. For the last dozen squads, I haven’t looked. I don’t even think about [being picked] now. Honestly.
“It’s sad, really. If I keep getting up for something, then [find out] I am not in, I am just kidding myself.
“Some people say I might get back in the England squad after Fabio Capello leaves. I hope they are right.
“It helps playing more often. I am sure it depends on who the manager is.”
Owen then went on Twitter and complained to Sky Sports, “Why are you making things up? Please show me the quote where I am supposed to have said that/Just because I don’t expect to be picked doesn’t mean I’ve given up. Another example of twisting words to get a good headline.”
Apparently Sky Sports agreed, because they not only changed the headline, they changed the lede. The new headline reads, “Owen ‘sad’ over England.” And the lede goes,
“Manchester United striker Michael Owen admits he has given up trying to understand why he is not being selected for England by Fabio Capello.
The 31-year-old has not featured for his country since playing in a friendly against France in March 2008.
Owen has been continually overlooked by Capello and the former Liverpool man admits he is upset by his exclusion.”