So it’s been confirmed, a torn groin muscle will keep Michael Owen out of England’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia next month. It will be small comfort for England manager Steve McClaren but it will at least relieve him of a selection headache.

After England’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Russia, Owen and his reinstated strike partner Emile Heskey became undroppable, leaving Who Ate All the Pies to ask, “Do we leave Wayne Rooney on the sidelines when he’s fit again?

Now that both Owen and Heskey are injured, we’re left in the dark as to how courageous McClaren might have been.

While Rooney’s talents are unquestionable, one goal in his last 10 England appearance has raised doubts over where he fits into the side and particularly how effectively Owen can perform beside him.

While West Ham’s Dean Ashton may now get an injury delayed first cap, it is likely to be as a substitute, with Rooney certain to be joined by the far more Three Lions productive Peter Crouch (himself full of praise for England’s striking riches just this week).

But what then if Rooney and Crouch prove a similarly irresistible big man/small man hit in Moscow and ease England’s qualification? Who’ll be starting up front at Euro 2008?

And before McClaren faces that conundrum, he has a few more pressing issues to solve. Do Micah Richards and Shaun Wright-Phillips continue on the right ahead of Gary Neville and David Beckham? And should Frank Lampard or Owen Hargreaves displace Gareth Barry in the middle?

But then, even amid injuries, selection problems are nice problems, right?

Padraic Halpin, London

Photo: Michael Owen celebrates after scoring his second goal in England’s Euro 2008 Group E qualifier against Russia at Wembley, September 12, 2007. Kieran Doherty / Reuters