Statistics show that Owen is a more prolific goalscorer at international level when he is paired with Emile Heskey, but McClaren insists it is his job to put the team's interests ahead of individuals.
McClaren Says Owen/Heskey Partnership Has One Fault!
The England boss believes Owen can play well alongside Rooney, even if it means he does not score so many goals personally.
McClaren: "People talk about statistics but football is not about individuals It is about pairings and it is about the team.
"Michael might score more with Emile Heskey but Emile hasn't scored many goals. Michael got them all.
"They may be distributed slightly differently but the combination between Wayne and Michael will probably get just as many and that is the key thing.
"It is not about individuals scoring goals, it is about the team doing it.
"Thierry Henry scored 30 goals a season at Arsenal, but when those goals are spread throughout the team, you are not going to miss him."