Owen unaffected by drop in status

Michael Owen insists he is happy to be reduced to the rank of a foot soldier in Steve McClaren's England army.

The Newcastle striker will play his first game under Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor on Friday night when the 'new' Wembley plays host to five-time world champions Brazil.

Having been vice-captain to David Beckham in Germany, Owen has been forced to take a step back as John Terry and Steven Gerrard were installed as the main men by McClaren. And Owen said: "There was no conversation between myself and Steve (McClaren) but that is understandable. I do not have a problem with this situation at all."

Owen has spent the intervening months inching down a long road to recovery from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered at the World Cup.

Now, like Beckham he must accept orders from others.

And while England's fourth-highest goalscorer confirmed McClaren had not approached him about his removal from office, he is happy enough to concentrate on his own contribution to the England cause.

"To be captain or vice-captain of England is a massive honour," he added.

"I was proud to be captain any time I was called upon. But I am one of those players who likes to lead by what I do on the pitch.

"I like concentrating on my own game, making sure my performance is fine and helping the team in that way before I start thinking about others."