Both manager Glenn Roeder and chairman Freddy Shepherd have criticised the way Owen was deployed in Saturday's 1-0 win in Frankfurt.
Owen was replaced early in the second half and appeared to be short of match fitness, as he continues his recovery from a broken foot.
Roeder: "Anyone who doesn't believe he is ready is foolish. It takes time to come back from these injuries, but he will get better as the tournament goes on.
"The outstanding aspect of the game against Paraguay was the lack of service to the strikers. Michael has never been a player who can play 'back to front' and by that I mean long balls.
"There were an awful lot of long balls to the front two, but you won't get the best out of Michael that way. He needs balls played into him or in front of him because he's so quick - that's what he is used to. If he gets service, he will score. He has a phenomenal record at international level and he is an ice-cool finisher."
Shepherd: "Nothing surprises me as far as Mr Eriksson is concerned any more and that's being kind to the fella. Any striker worth his salt would be upset at being taken off after just 55 minutes. But Michael doesn't need to worry. The entire Geordie nation is still right behind him."