Heskey out of England squad

Birmingham City striker Emile Heskey has withdrawn from the England squad.

Birmingham City striker Emile Heskey has withdrawn from the England squad to face Ukraine due to a tight hamstring.

The former Liverpool attacker made his Premiership debut for his new club at the weekend and played his part in Blues' 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.

However, he has returned to St Andrews for treatment on the problem and will not be risked in Wednesday's clash.

After losing Wayne Bridge to injury, Sven Goran Eriksson's options have been reduced to an extent after naming his squad on Saturday night.

The Swede, whose private life has been under close scrutiny in the media, is likely to allow Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith the opportunity to prove they are worthy of a place in his plans for the World Cup qualifiers.

Tottenham sharpshooter Defoe, who opened his account for the season against Liverpool, and Manchester United new boy Smith are both in excellent form and will hope to be involved.

Real Madrid's Michael Owen is also in the party and seems certain to start but Eriksson, who can only make a maximum of six substitutions, will not pass up the opportunity to assess Defoe and Smith's capabilities. 

The friendly with Ukraine at Newcastle United's St James' Park is also set to provide Kieron Dyer with a chance to play on his home ground, despite speculation that he has had a falling out with club manager Sir Bobby Robson.

Eriksson has 22 players left to choose from and, of course, has no Wayne Rooney to call upon in attack due to the injury sustained by the Everton youngster in Euro 2004 against Portugal.