LONDON (AP) _ Michael Owen was picked for an England squad on Thursday for the first time since badly injuring his right knee at last year's World Cup.

The 27-year-old Newcastle striker was named in an experienced 20-man squad to play Albania on May 25 at Burnley in an unofficial B match.

Owen has played in Newcastle's last two Premier League games after recovering from the ligament rupture he sustained against Sweden on June 20.

England's last B game was a World Cup preparation match on May 25, 2006, and was Owen's first game in a return from nearly six months out with a broken foot. England B lost to Belarus 2-1.

``Michael Owen's return from injury is a massive boost,'' England coach Steve McClaren said. ``Any side at international level would miss a player with Michael's goal-scoring pedigree.

``He has done well to get back to fitness with Newcastle, and I am sure the crowd will be excited about seeing him back in an England shirt at Burnley.''

Owen has scored 36 goals in 78 England internationals.

England coach Steve McClaren did not name any Liverpool or Chelsea players and only striker Alan Smith and goalkeeper Ben Foster from Manchester United.

Smith returns to an England squad for the first time since October 2005. He spent most of 2006 sidelined with a serious leg injury.

``It is good to have Alan Smith back in an England squad after his horrendous injury,'' McClaren said. ``He has worked extremely hard and shown great determination to get back to full fitness, and has played very well since his return for Manchester United.''

Tottenham was the best represented team with six players _ goalkeeper Paul Robinson, defenders Ledley King and Michael Dawson, midfielders Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas, and striker Jermain Defoe _ and there were five new players in the squad.

Dawson, Joleon Lescott, Nicky Shorey, David Bentley and Phil Jagielka have never played for England, but will still not get international caps if they play in the match.

England plays a friendly against Brazil on June 1, and a 2008 European Championship qualifying match at Estonia five days later.