Owen ruled out of Croatia tie

Michael Owen has been ruled out of England's match against Croatia on Wednesday after sustaining a strained thigh against Austria last night.

The Newcastle striker pulled-up 34 minutes into the match in Vienna and was replaced by Jermaine Defoe.

England coach Steve McClaren revealed after the game that Owen would not be fit enough to take part in the potentially vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

McClaren is already without Wayne Rooney, who was injured in training earlier this week, and the coach admitted Owen's absence would be "a massive blow".

He added: "It was a strange one, it was Michael's standing foot. He's pulled his thigh and unfortunately he's out."

But McClaren claims he has belief in the strikers who will replace the injured pair on Wednesday night.

He said: "We believe we can win on Wednesday without our two centre-forwards, and there is enough in that dressing room, enough spirit, that we can do it.

England will also be without their first-choice centre-backs John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, but the manager says that the squad must pull together.

The under-pressure manager said that while there were still games to go he had not given up hope of qualifying and retained the belief that Wednesday's encounter would still be a meaningful match.

Defoe is now likely to partner Peter Crouch in attack for the match against Croatia while McClaren will pick between Sol Campbell, Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards to form the centre of his defence.