McClaren says he never lost faith in Owen

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - England head coach Steve McClaren praised Michael Owen's match-winning performance against Russia on Wednesday saying he never doubted he would return to the highest level after his injury nightmare.

"I never wrote him off, I always knew he was going to be important for us," said McClaren after Owen took his tally to 40 goals for his country in his 85th international match.

Only Bobby Charlton (49), Gary Lineker (48) and Jimmy Greaves (44) have scored 40 or more goals for England and Owen looks capable of overtaking all of them before too long.

The Newcastle United striker scored twice in the first half but McClaren praised his all-round contribution in the 3-0 victory that lifted England up to second place in Group E. Croatia lead with 23 points, England have 20 and Russia 18.

"He looks fitter and sharper, and its not just his goals, but his all-round play," said McClaren, delighted to have Owen back in the side after more than 20 months in which he has battled two serious injuries.

Owen has scored three in two games following his strike against Israel on Saturday as England collected six points out of six to revitalise their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

HAPPY MAC

McClaren told reporters: "I am greatly satisfied. We wanted six points out of the two games and we got them and I'm satisfied by the performance of individuals and the team. But we are keeping our feet on the ground. There's three games to go, and we have won nothing yet and we're not qualified yet either."