1 Apr 2009

-Crouch to start for England against Ukraine

6:36 am on 1 April 2009

England coach Fabio Capello says striker Peter Crouch will start in tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in London after recovering from a knock in the weekend friendly win over Slovakia.

Capello called up the Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor in place of the injured Darren Bent who is the latest England striker to be afflicted by injury.

Bent was called in as a late replacement after injuries to strikers Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole but damaged a tendon in his knee training.

Heskey and Cole were injured in Saturday's 4-0 victory against Slovakia and earlier injuries to Jermain Defoe and Dean Ashton left Capello short of attacking options.

Capello says Michael Owen is not fit enough or in good enough form to be selected.

England have won all four qualifier under the Italian but Ukraine are unbeaten in their three opening matches.