Heskey ruled out of Ukraine game

Striker Emile Heskey was on Sunday ruled out of England’s World Cup 2010 qualifier at home to Ukraine this week with a hamstring injury.

The Aston Villa forward was forced off in the 14th minute of England’s 4-0 friendly win against Slovakia at Wembley on Saturday, shortly after putting his side in front.

It was the former Liverpool and Wigan Athletic striker’s first international goal in almost six years and his first goal for England at their national stadium.

England coach Fabio Capello said Heskey had been suffering from “cramp”, but the Football Association revealed that scans to his left hamstring showed that he would not be able to face Ukraine on Wednesday.

Heskey’s withdrawal follows that of West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who came on in place of Heskey against Slovakia but was then taken off after sustaining a thigh strain.

Tottenham’s Darren Bent has since been called up as a replacement for Cole.