The efforts of Michael Owen and Alan Smith in the early part of the season have not been in vain. Both players are set to start for England against Germany in the upcoming friendly at Wembley Stadium. Michael Owen has made only 6 appearances at club level since the 2006 world cup where he picked up knee ligament damage.

The call up for both players comes as a result of the withdrawal of Darren Bent and Andrew Johnson from the friendly. Bent is suffering from a thigh injury whilst Johnson is a worry because of fluid on his knee. Both players join Rooney on the injury list who is expected to be out of action for up to 2 months with a foot injury.

Injuries have continued to hamper the preparations of Steve McClaren as the September Euro 2008 qualifier games fast approach. A number of first team players are now sidelined with niggling injuries including Gerrard, Hargreaves, Lampard and Beckham. Gary Neville, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Sol Campbell all miss our in defence.