Heskey pulls out of England squad

Striker Emile Heskey was today forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of tomorrow's friendly against Ukraine.

The Birmingham forward took part in yesterday's training session with the rest of the squad in the north-east, but awoke this morning with a tight hamstring.

The decision was therefore taken to send him back to his club for treatment, with coach Sven-Goran Eriksson left to decide between Darius Vassell, Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith to partner Michael Owen up front.

Eriksson was already without Wayne Rooney, as well as Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate and Joe Cole.

Full-back Wayne Bridge was also forced to withdraw from the squad yesterday due to an injury concern, leaving Eriksson now with 22 players to choose from for the friendly at St James' Park.

Chelsea full-back Bridge played in his club's 1-0 Barclays Premiership victory over Manchester United yesterday but has since reported discomfort and will not join up with the England squad for training before Wednesday's fixture.

England have not called up a direct replacement leaving Newcastle's Kieron Dyer as an option to fill the problem position in left midfield.