The return to fitness of Michael Owen has provided a much-needed boost to England, according to coach Steve McClaren.

Owen has not featured in an international since rupturing knee ligaments in England's World Cup group match against Sweden last June. He made a Premiership comeback with Newcastle against Reading on April 30 and played a further twice before the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has been named in an England B squad to play Albania at Burnley on Friday but should he come through that unscathed he is more than likely to be selected for England's high-profile bow at the new Wembley against Brazil on June 1.

''I think the likes of Michael Owen and even Joe Cole, we've not had him, are going to be like new signings and they are inspirational players,'' said the England boss. ''Michael over the years has proved that he scores goals; he scores vital goals, he scores goals out of nothing, he scores goals when the team is probably not playing well and every successful team needs a goalscorer like that.''