Owen makes England return

The Newcastle man will start the game at Turf Moor in Burnley just a handful of matches into his rehabilitation from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Owen partners Manchester United's Alan Smith up front - another player whose career has been derailed by injuries.

David Bentley, Gareth Barry and Reading's Nicky Shorey will be among those looking to play their way into the full squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia next month.

The rest of the side consists of regular England squad members, but Aaron Lennon and Owen are the only likely starters against Estonia.

Newcastle have demanded compensation from the FA following Owen's World Cup injury, which forced him to miss nearly all of this season.

There will be great concern that the 27-year-old is not yet ready, and any further injuries will provoke a furious reaction from St James's Park.

England B team to play Albania in Burnley on May 25th: Scott Carson (Liverpool); Phil Neville (Everton), Ledley King, Michael Dawson (both Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading); Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas (both Tottenham), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Bentley (Blackburn); Michael Owen (Newcastle), Alan Smith (Manchester United).