Guess Who Has Been Injured Playing For England?
Last updated : 17 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
England manager Steve McClaren has admitted the injury which will keep Michael Owen out of Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia, and the way it looks ... a lengthy spell out of the Newcastle team.
McClaren says it is a 'massive blow'. Sam Allardyce has yet to comment.
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.
McClaren: "It is a massive blow.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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."