Owen is back with England's emerging Lions

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Joleon Lescott, 24, named the Everton players' player of the year this week after an impressive first season in the Premiership, is likely to be rewarded for his excellent first season at Goodison with a call-up, while Blackburn's 22-year-old David Bentley, whose goal for England Under 21s against Italy in March was the first by an Englishman at the new Wembley, is set to take another step towards playing for the full international team.

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Owen: In his Premiership comeback against Reading

Others in line to impress McClaren at this level include Reading defender Nicky Shorey, another who has had a good first season in the top flight, and Bolton striker Kevin Davies.

The knee injury Owen suffered in the opening minute of the game with Sweden during last summer's World Cup has denied McClaren England's most prolific striker, but he returns ahead of the friendly against Brazil on June 1 and the European Championship qualifier in Estonia five days later.

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Hopeful: Bentley is set for a call-up

McClaren will name his senior squad for the Brazil game immediately after the encounter with Albania at Burnley's Turf Moor ground, but if Shorey is chosen for the B team he may be reluctant to do too well.

The Reading left back is getting married the day after the Brazil match on the Friday night, which could cause obvious complications.

Shorey could well be given such an opportunity if Chelsea urge Ashley Cole to have surgery on his ankle immediately after the FA Cup Final.

Wayne Bridge would be promoted to first choice in the role but McClaren would need cover and Shorey would fit the bill.

Lescott could also provide cover but the former Wolves defender considers centre half to be his best position.

Owen's performance, however, will be of greatest interest to McClaren because Wayne Rooney is suspended for the Estonia game.

Anything other than a victory in Tallinn could bring McClaren's reign to a swift end, but Newcastle United striker Owen — who has often delivered for England when the pressure is on — could prove to be his saviour.