Mac bemoans Owen blow

England boss frustrated by injuries

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 17th November 2007

McClaren Steve

McClaren: Injury blow

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England manager Steve McClaren has admitted the injury which will keep Michael Owen out of Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia is a 'massive blow'.

McClaren's side recorded a 1-0 friendly win over Austria in Vienna on Friday, courtesy of a 44th minute Peter Crouch header, but Owen limped off in the first half with a thigh strain and initial reports suggest he faces a month on the sidelines.

If Israel can record a positive result against Russia in Euro 2008 qualification on Saturday, England will meet Croatia four days later knowing a win would be enough to progress to next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

However, England will be forced to do so without Owen, much to the disappointment of McClaren.

Concern

England are already without the injured Wayne Rooney and the suspended Rio Ferdinand, while captain John Terry is also out and McClaren has revealed his concern.

"It is a massive blow," McClaren told Sky Sports 1.

"Injuries are part of football and unfortunately we need to win on Wednesday and I do believe we are going to be without two centre halves and our two centre forwards.

"But I've every confidence that if it comes to that, and I believe it will, that there is enough in that dressing room.

Spirit

"There is spirit in there and they want to do it as much for the fans as anybody. Who could get 4,000 fans to a friendly in Austria? Only England.

"It would be great if we're in with a chance to do that after Saturday night."

McClaren, though, insists he was pleased with England's performance and is adamant he is not considering his future as manager if the national side fail to qualify.

"It's been a hard week and credit to the players this was not an easy game. We didn't want it to be an easy game and it to be a test," he added. "Now we have got to just sit and wait.

"I'm not worried about that (his own future) at the present moment. All I'm worried about is the results and hopefully getting a chance on Wednesday to qualify."