The Italian may well have started Villa's top scorer Gabby Agbonlahor had the pacy striker been fit. This could illustrate a change in emphasis as youth takes over from experience.
No one can doubt Agbonlahor's credentials as he's one of the top youngsters around and Owen has been plagued by injury throughout his career.
Capello chose to bring on Peter Crouch for Wayne Rooney on Wednesday and the new 4-5-1 system may not suit Owen.
However, Agbonlahor could be a strong option. He is fast, powerful and lethal. All of this could make him England's new lead man.
Owen and Agbonlahor square up at Villa Park tomorrow presuming the young pretender makes a return from injury.
He has been struggling since he was scythed down at Craven Cottage last weekend and is a big doubt for the lunchtime kick off.
Owen will look to show that he isn't finished yet as Newcastle search for their first win under the returning Kevin Keegan.
The old new boss last visited Villa Park in charge of the Geordies in 1995. The game finished 1-1 with Tommy Johnson grabbing the Villa goal. Les Ferdinand denied the home side all three points with a second half strike.
Meetings between the teams usually bring goals, although the corresponding fixture finished 0-0 earlier in the season.
Villa are likely to be without Stiliyan Petrov, which could mean Wayne Routledge is handed his debut after a fine performance for the reserves in midweek.
Gabby Agbonlahor will be replaced by Marlon Harewood if he fails to make the line-up due to injury.
Martin O'Neill will be pleased to welcome back Ashley Young from suspension and he will replace Shaun Maloney.
For the visitors, Oba Martins is unlikely to be fit enough to partner Michael Owen up front so Alan Smith should retain his place.
Martins' fellow African Nations Cup participants, Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye, could play some part in the game.
The travelling supporters will be hoping that Owen can prove Capello wrong at Villa Park. The Italian practically lives in the Midlands as he eyes up the talent on show for the Claret and Blue.
Gabby may not make kick off tomorrow, but hopefully his fellow England teammates will do the business and grab a desired three points for Villa.