PREVIEW: Capello relying on Rooney for goals against Ukraine

Mar 30, 2009, 16:37 GMT

London - England manager Fabio Capello will be hoping Wayne Rooney can lead an injury-ravaged attack on Wednesday when his side play Ukraine in their World Cup qualifying match at Wembley.

The Italian is without Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole after both men were injured in the 4-0 friendly win over Slovakia on Saturday.

Darren Bent has been called up, but Manchester United striker Rooney, who was outstanding against Slovakia, could find himself on his own up front, not that Capello is worried.

'He is the joker in the pack, he can play in any position,' Capello said.

Steven Gerrard could play in his club position, just behind Rooney, or Tottenham striker Bent could start as England look to make it five wins out of five in qualifying group six.

Rio Ferdinand will return from injury to partner captain John Terry in the centre of defence, and Terry said England will have to beware a rejuvenated Andriy Shevchenko.

The striker did not have a good time when he played alongside Terry at Chelsea but the England captain said the home side would have to be on their toes.

'Things didn't go too well for him at Chelsea, but he is a quality player and a great finisher,' Terry said.

'When you forget about Sheva, he pops up with a goal. He has got a first-class touch and a great finish, and we'll need to be very aware of him. He is a big player for Ukraine.

'Whenever he goes back to play for the national team he feels the pressure is on him, so he'll be coming to Wembley with two reasons to do well: he will feel he has something to prove to Chelsea, but he will also want to play well for his country.'

Aaron Lennon is likely to retain his place on the right of midfield, which means David Beckham will have to come off the bench if he is to add to his 109 caps - an England outfield record.