Owen out of Croatia match

Michael Owen will miss England's Euro 2008 Qualifier with Croatia next week after injuring his thigh during the 1-0 victory over Austria on Friday evening. The injury is sure to be a blow to England's remaining qualification hopes.

Despite England winning 1-0, the injury to Michael Owen has upset Steve McClaren.

"Michael won't be fit for Wednesday, he has pulled his thigh" McClaren confirmed. The early prognosis was that the Newcastle striker could be out for as much as a month.

As result England will go into the Croatia game -- which may be meaningless in any case -- without four first-choice players.

Wayne Rooney and captain John Terry are both injured while Rio Ferdinand is suspended.

"That is football but we seem to be plagued by injuries at the moment," McClaren complained. "We will be going into what could biggest game for England for a long while without two centre halves and two centre forwards we would pick.

"But I still believe that, if we have to beat Croatia, we have enough courage to win it and we will do it."