England call up Agbonlahor as Capello snubs Owen again

England have called up Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to their squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifying clash with Ukraine at Wembley.

The move came after Darren Bent limped out of training on the eve of the match. Tottenham forward Bent had himself been a late call-up to the squad after Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole suffered injuries in Saturday's 4-0 friendly win over Slovakia.

But his involvement with the national squad lasted only a few minutes before he was forced to head for the treatment room.

Agbonlahor has been added to the squad as cover with head coach Fabio Capello indicating that he plans to start the match with Peter Crouch leading the attack.

The Villa forward's call-up represents a fresh snub to Michael Owen, although Capello again insisted that the injury-plagued Newcastle forward's England career could be revived once he starts playing regularly for his club.

"In every interview I've said the door for all the England players is open," Capello said. "I respect Owen but I chose Agbonlahor because he has played a lot of games."

Rio Ferdinand, who returned to training after missing the Slovakia match with a back strain, is set to start alongside John Terry in central defence.

Capello will also have Shaun Wright-Phillips, who missed Saturday's game with an ankle injury, available.

With four straight wins in group six, England will be in a very strong position to reach next year's finals in South Africa if they can beat Ukraine, the only team they have yet to face.

The win over Slovakia augured well for England's chances and Capello expects Ukraine to play a similar style.

"It will be a very dangerous game, they play very well on the counter attack," the Italian said. "It will be very tough.

"I was very happy after the Slovakia match, our movement with and without the ball was very good and we created a lot of good chances.

For me it was a good test."

Sapa-AFP