Michael Owen fears he will be left out of the starting line-up for England's Euro 2000 campaign after being overlooked for the final warm-up game against Malta.

The striking sensation of World Cup 98 was desperate to build on the goal that gave England a 1- 1 draw against Brazil last Saturday and is disappointed to miss out again after being rested against Ukraine on Wednesday.

Robbie Fowler took the chance to show his poacher's talents with the opening goal in that 2-0 win and with Kevin Phillips starting alongside Alan Shearer today and Emile Heskey likely to be given an extended run in the second half, Owen fears he will be overtaken in the race for the starting job against Portugal in Eindhoven on June 12.

The Liverpool striker said: 'I was pleased with what I did against Brazil and I wanted to play against Malta. Am I in pole position to partner Alan Shearer?

You'll have to ask Kevin Keegan that. I've done what I can to impress the manager and I don't know if he has made up his mind about who will play alongside Alan.

'I expect Kevin Phillips to come in and score a hat-trick.'

Keegan said: 'Michael is very disappointed not to be playing but I wanted to take this opportunity to see Kevin.

'I haven't done it to hurt Michael and I am not wrapping him in cotton wool. Obviously it hurts players because playing for England really means something to them.'

Owen knows that Shearer has yet to be convinced they make the right pairing up front. The England captain prefers a more physical presence alongside him - and his opinion is likely to hold sway when Keegan announces his team.

But Shearer's strong influence as Keegan's on-field leader may yet benefit Owen.

Phillips could indeed score a hat-trick today but it might count for nothing if the skipper decides he is not comfortable with the Sunder-land man.

Shearer indicated a week ago that he believes a partnership with Heskey would be productive.

He also claimed that he and Owen had been forced to talk over their own play together and find out how they could improve their under-standing.

After Shearer set up Owen's goal against Brazil, the 20-year-old Liverpool man must have felt the pair had finally clicked and is frustrated that he has not been given a chance further to cement the partnership.

Owen said: 'I don't know whether today's side will be the same as the team that starts the Championship. Teams can change so quickly - Kevin has his chance now, Emile had his and Robbie scored against Ukraine.

'But I hope I can still persuade the manager and I think I am a big occasion player. I'm certainly not scared about going into any game at international level against the best players in the world.

'I can then show what kind of a player I am. It comes naturally to me. I don't fear anyone when I go on to the pitch and if I am picked against Portugal in that first game, I would have no fears.

'But when I get the chance, I know I will have to keep on proving myself.' England's injured midfielder Jamie Redknapp could miss the first five months of next season.

The 26-year-old Liverpool man will have further tests on the knee injury that forced him out of Keegan's Euro 2000 squad amid concerns that this latest setback could sideline him until December.

An earlier knee injury in November forced him out for three months.