Owen unscathed in England win

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Smith opened the scoring in a comfortable 3-1 win over Albania, with Downing netting twice, and wide-man Besart Berisha firing home for the visitors.

It was Owen's contribution that really interested McClaren though, with England's all-time fourth top scorer completing a precious 90 minutes in his usual energetic manner that will leave his coach hoping he will be back to his best when his country really needs him next month.

The Newcastle forward's best opportunity came early on, when he side-footed Aaron Lennon's cross wide from 10 yards.

He was also close to getting on the end of a couple of crosses, although Owen's desire to score was not desperate enough to prevent him setting up Downing's second.

With all the Chelsea, Liverpool and - with the exception of Smith - Manchester United contingent, plus Owen Hargreaves and, just possibly, David Beckham missing from the squad McClaren will announce on Saturday lunchtime, it was fairly obvious which starters needed to impress.

Lennon was one. Unfortunately, the Tottenham winger lasted only nine minutes before he limped off with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Lennon's only serious involvement was the chance he provided for Owen. Under pressure from Blerim Rustemaj as he crossed, Lennon immediately signalled to the bench his night was over.

McClaren will clearly need to assess the injury but as he ponders whether to bring Beckham back, the loss of one of his main wide men only makes a positive outcome more likely for the Real Madrid superstar, who must have thought his international career would remain stuck on 94 caps.