| Michael Owen out for Croatia game |
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Monday, 19 November 2007
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The former Liverpool and Real Madrid player is England's fourth-highest scorer and England´s odds of 20/1 for Euro 2000 victory now look like increasing in his absence. The thigh strain of course rules him out of Wednesday's European Championship decider against Croatia at Wembley. The 1-0 win was only England´s second victory in six friendly games under McClaren. A Peter Crouch header was the deciding factor. McClaren is aware that the victory will mean nothing if Israel (versus Russia) or Macedonia (versus Croatia), get nothing from their games on Saturday evening. Tottenham´s Jermain Defoe replaced Owen and put himself in line for a starting place against the Croats. Crouch´s first half strike was a surprise breakthrough as England had created precious little previously, although they were the better of two average teams. Austria pretty much mirrored their FIFA ranking of 88 and England's struggles also contradicted McClaren's view that after a rocky start of his appointment, the last six have seen a significant improvement. Everton´s Joleon Lescott played well in the centre of England's defence. He should get the nod for the Croatia game. Villa keepr goalkeeper Scott Carson had a quiet night between the posts.                        |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 19 November 2007 ) | |||||||
Michael Owen left England coach Steve McClaren with major worries after the Newcastle man limped out of the 1-0 win over Austria with what is believed to be a thigh strain.