Heskey pulls out of England squad

Emile Heskey has been ruled out of England's match against Ukraine on Wednesday after withdrawing from the squad because of a hamstring injury.

Heskey limped off during Saturday's 4-0 win against Slovakia, as did fellow strikers Carlton Cole and Peter Crouch.

England had already called up Tottenham striker Darren Bent to replace the injured Cole, and boss Fabio Capello may now call for another replacement.

Crouch is expected to be fit for the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Capello has already ruled out Michael Owen or Kevin Davies joining the squad.

"Owen played 20 minutes in his last game, it is not enough, and it would not be Kevin Davies either," said Capello.

The Italian added that Rio Ferdinand could have played against Slovakia but that he decided not to risk the defender, who had a groin problem, while Shaun Wright-Phillips has resumed training and will also be available.

But Cole, who replaced Heskey after 15 minutes but lasted just 20 himself, is definitely out with a thigh problem.

Bent has won four caps for England and was part of the England team that won in Germany last November.

England could deploy Wayne Rooney as a lone striker against Ukraine at Wembley and ask Steven Gerrard to play a supporting role, but Capello is not revealing his thinking just yet.

"At the moment we don't know," added the Italian, who was delighted with Rooney's two-goal salvo against the Slovaks.

After joking that the Manchester United striker was "crazy" prior to the Slovakia game, the England coach remarked: "I hope he will always be crazy like this evening.

"I am very happy for him, he played very well, scored two goals and is a very important player for us.

"His movement with Gerrard was very good, both when we were attacking and defending and I was delighted.

"Rooney can play anywhere. If our team were a pack of cards, he would be our joker."