DARREN Bent has been thrown a World Cup lifeline by Fabio Capello – but the ship for South Africa looks to be out of reach for Michael Owen.

Bent has made just one appearance under Capello, the victory over Germany in Berlin 12 months ago.

He has fallen behind Carlton Cole in the battle to be back-up to Emile Heskey as England’s main striking target man and not even some fine early season form for Sunderland, and a ringing endorsement from manager Steve Bruce has been enough to get him back in.

But with Heskey and Cole both ruled out of Saturday’s friendly with Brazil in Qatar, after which there will be just one game – next March – before Capello must name his provisional squad, Bent has been handed his chance.

Whether the 25-year-old edges ahead of Peter Crouch, who has a remarkable record of 16 goals in 17 starts for his country, is open to question.

However, Capello will probably want to see Bent in action at some stage and has always stressed his mind remains open to all possibilities.

That mantra does not appear to apply to Owen.

It was expected Owen would force his way into Capello’s squad once he completed his surprise summer move to Manchester United.

Yet Owen has found a starting spot hard to pin down at Old Trafford. Despite Dimitar Berbatov’s absence, he was only on the bench for United’s defeat at Chelsea yesterday afternoon.

Capello does not feel it is enough to warrant Owen’s inclusion, despite citing the striker as ‘‘my torment’’ in a recent interview, and unless he hits a major injury crisis between now and next summer, it is difficult to envisage that stance changing.

Largely, the squad is notable for who is not in it rather than who is.

Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard head a long list of injuries, which also includes Cole, David James, whose only appearance for England since last April was as a substitute in the Ukraine last month after Robert Green had been sent off, and Aaron Lennon.

David Beckham’s presence on England’s first trip to Qatar depends on Los Angeles Galaxy’s continued participation in the MLS play-offs.