Leeds United manager Neil Warnock believes that Michael Owen could have been a vital addition to the England squad for this summer's European Championships if he hadn't have "wasted" the last year at Manchester United.

The 32-year-old, who has not played in a Three Lions shirt since 2008, announced yesterday that he will leave the Red Devils following three years at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Fegurson decided against offering the striker a new contract.

"I am sad Michael Owen has wasted a season," The Mirror quotes Warnock as saying. "It is great to play for Manchester United and all the trimmings [that come with it] but I would have loved him to have a season playing for a mid-table Premier League team because I don't see anyone better than Michael Owen in the European Championships squad.

"The only way he could have been picked would have been by playing. I think it is a waste he is not up for selection because at Manchester United he is way down the pecking order. I wish he'd have played, I am sure he probably thinks the same.

"I think some people are England players. Some people never rise to being an England player, Michael Owen has always played well for England."

Owen started just 18 matches for the former English champions during his time with United.