Heskey Out Of Qualifier

29 March 2009 12:09
Emile Heskey has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Wednesday.[LNB]Heskey was substituted just 14 minutes into Saturday's 4-0 win over Slovakia after pulling up with what Fabio Capello described as 'cramp'.[LNB]However, the Football Association have confirmed scans to Heskey's left hamstring have left little alternative other than for the Aston Villa man to withdraw.[LNB]The news will be a blow to Capello, who views Heskey as an integral part of his future plans.[LNB]He has been in impressive form recently and before his enforced exit on Saturday night Heskey scored his first international goal for almost six years to put England ahead.[LNB]It is the second withdrawal in less than 24 hours as Carlton Cole was ruled out immediately following the completion of England's win over Slovakia after suffering a thigh strain.Capello called Tottenham's Darren Bent up as a replacement and the FA have indicated there will be no further additions to the England squad at this time.[LNB]Heskey's Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor would have been an obvious alternative but he pulled out of England Under-21 duty in Norway last week with a hamstring problem.[LNB]The possibility of Kevin Davies or Michael Owen getting a call-up was ruled out by Capello after the victory over Slovakia.[LNB]"Michael Owen played 20 minutes in his last game, it is not enough," said Capello.[LNB]"And it would not be Kevin Davies either."[LNB]

Source: Eurosport