OTHER SPORT

MCCLAREN CALLS UP CROCKS

HINTED: McClaren to gamble on Owen and Terry

Tuesday October 2,2007

By Mick Dennis

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JOHN TERRY and Michael Owen are likely to be named in the England squad later this week, days after they both had operations.

Chelsea and England skipper Terry had surgery on a depressed cheekbone fracture on Sunday and Newcastle striker Owen had operations on his groin and stomach.

But England coach Steve McClaren hinted yesterday he will select them on Friday for this month’s Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Estonia and Russia.

That would be a huge fillip for the confidence of the squad but, especially in Owen’s case, would be a gamble. McClaren said: “We are talking about England and these are big games – games that I know these players want to play in. I hope to name the squad on Friday and would like them both in it.”

And there is likely to be a call-up for West Ham striker Dean Ashton. He broke his ankle preparing for what would have been his first senior England appearance 14 months ago, had surgery twice, and only returned to Premier League action this season.

McClaren said: “I think he has forced his way in. It was very disappointing when he got injured but I have been watching him since pre-season and he is in contention.”

Terry could even play for Chelsea in the club’s Champions League match in Valencia tomorrow with a protective mask.

Owen, 27, had a torn adductor muscle and a hernia and was flown to Germany for operations.