ENGLAND boss Steve McClaren has promised not to gamble on Michael Owen's fragile fitness during tomorrow's friendly with Germany.

Despite Wayne Rooney's absence, McClaren has vowed to wrap strike-partner Owen in cotton wool as England look to hit form ahead of next month's crucial European Championship qualifiers.

The Newcastle striker, fourth in the all-time England scoring charts with 37 goals in 82 caps, has suffered an injury-plagued two years at St James' Park and missed Newcastle's Premiership opener against Bolton.

"I'd like to have him fully fit for the Germany game but I won't be taking any risks with him in a friendly," said McClaren.

"For the fans it's a huge game but we would much rather have the players fit for the qualifiers.

"I've kept in close contact with Michael throughout his injury problems and nobody is more frustrated than he is.

"He just wants to have and we all want him to have an extended run on the pitch doing what he does best - scoring goals for club and country."

McClaren praised the attitude of the returning Owen last June as England started life at their new Wembley home with a 1-1 draw against Brazil.

Owen, who broke Gary Lineker's competitive England scoring record against Estonia earlier this summer, is the missing link according to McClaren.

The former Middlesbrough boss saw an England minus their main goalscorer shoot themselves in the foot in qualifying matches in Croatia and Israel - and lose crucial points in the process.

But he insisted that Owen's return would kick-start a change in fortune for the national side.

"If we get our best players back fit and playing than I've no doubt we'll qualify for next summer," added McClaren.

"We've really missed Michael and that was evident when he came back for the game over the summer.

"He brought freshness and an enthusiasm and you need your best players like him fit and out on the field performing to the best of their ability.

"The latest injury wasn't too serious and I know Newcastle were pleased he was involved in some capacity against Aston Villa at the weekend.

"I speak to him and (Newcastle manager) Sam Allardyce regularly and I know they've both been very frustrated.

"We've got a lot of injuries at the moment and you've got to feel for Michael with the injuries he has suffered recently."

McDonald's National Festival is part of the coaching programme which aims to boost the standard and availability of qualified coaching for young players.