'Good options'
Friday, 05 October, 2007
Steve McClaren discusses the inclusion of John Terry, Michael Owen and Dean Ashton in his squad.
England v Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1
Russia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
4pm (BST), Wednesday 17 October 2007
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Live on Sky Sports
Steve McClaren has spoken of his delight at being able to name both skipper John Terry and Michael Owen in his squad to face Estonia and Russia for the European Championship Qualifiers next week.
Both players have been declared fit to join the 27 man squad on Tuesday, having undergone surgery earlier this week.
Terry suffered a fractured cheekbone in last weekend’s game for Chelsea against Fulham, but was able to play on Wednesday evening in their victory over Valencia by wearing a protective face mask.
Meanwhile, Owen had a successful operation on his groin and is in contention for Newcastle United’s match with Everton on Sunday and the Head Coach is pleased to have both players available.
“Michael's had his operation and come through well,” said McClaren.
"He said he is flying and feeling very good so he will be assessed in training, but if Michael Owen is fit then Michael Owen will play.
"I have a good relationship with Sam Allardyce and I spoke to him this morning, so Michael will be assessed by Newcastle's medical team and then by our medical team and it is not a decision we will take lightly.
"But it is the player who is the most important. We don't want to take risks, but he wants to play for England and if he is fit then we will play him.
“I spoke with JT straight after the game last Saturday and he said to me then that he would be fit for Wednesday.
“That was remarkable but that’s why he’s captain and he epitomises all that England is and should be, full of character.
“If he performs like he did on Wednesday night for us, we’ll be delighted.”
West Ham United’s Dean Ashton was also named in the squad, after an impressive return to action for the striker with his club following the best part of a year on the sidelines with a serious ankle injury.
He replaces Emile Heskey, whose foot injury rules him out of the games and McClaren is pleased to have an almost ready made replacement for the Wigan Athletic player in Ashton.
“That’s why we’ve brought him in, because he’s big and strong,” he explained.
“He can hold the ball up, he’s good in the air and he’s a good link player.
“He deserves his call-up and we have options up there now.
“We’re delighted to have Wayne Rooney back as well. He scored a great goal during the week and looks to be coming into some form.”
