NEWCASTLE United skipper Michael Owen is expected to miss the forthcoming England friendlies after coming down with a virus.

The 28-year-old was unable to report for training on Friday morning and is now likely to sit out of the Wembley encounter with USA on Wednesday and the trip to Trinidad & Tobabgo the following Sunday.

A statement on the FA website read: "Ahead of England's friendlies against USA and Trinidad and Tobago, the England squad has seen two changes.

"Michael Owen was unable to report due to an infectious virus and is expected to be out for both games, while Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas reported with an ankle injury and has returned home."

Owen will now have to wait until next season to add to his tally of 40 goals from 89 Three Lions outings.