England manager will consider starting Michael Owen against Germany after confirmation that Andrew Johnson will be unable to play the international friendly in Wembley due to fluid on his knee.

The Everton striker will now return to Merseyside for treatment with his club, leaving the door open for Owen, who missed the start of the season with Newcastle after injuring his thigh in pre-season training.

"It is an ideal game for Michael Owen to get some minutes under his belt. He hasn't played in pre-season or had a game yet, so it's an opportunity to give  him minutes," said McClaren. "He is a very important player for us and one that we are looking forward to getting back into the squad."

McClaren is also without Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Sol Campbell and Darren Bent for the clash with England's old rivals after his 28-man squad was yesterday depleted by injuries.

The England coach already had a couple of selection headaches to overcome ahead of the crunch Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month, which striker Wayne Rooney will miss because of his fractured left foot. Peter Crouch must also serve a one-match ban.

McClaren said in a press conference today: "It's an important game also in terms of preparation, we have the qualifiers in three weeks which are really big games we need to win.

"It's not been ideal but ask any international manager, no preparation is ideal. I know the Germans have got injuries."

The Republic of Ireland's European qualifying opponents Germany are also depleted through injury.  Chelsea's Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings and Bernd Schneider are all injured.

Germany are five points ahead of the Czech Republic in Group D of the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Ireland are a point behind the Czechs on 13.