Jens Lehmann has been accused of using a middle finger gesture toward a section of German supporters at the 4-0 victory over Cyprus in Hannover who were calling for his replacement with local keeper Robert Enke.

Owen, who will be missing the final qualifier after his thigh injury in a friendly win in Austria on Friday, wrote in the News of the World: "My heart sank in the freezing air of Vienna on Friday but it soared as I sat at home in front of the television last night.

"Suddenly the pain and despair of picking up another injury in the friendly against Austria began to disappear as the outcome of the games in Israel and Macedonia began to unfold.

"Even though I will not be able to play against Croatia, the gateway to the Euro 2008 finals is open.

"Suddenly the world looks a brighter place. It looked pretty grim from where I was standing on Friday night.”