Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has been controversially called up to the England squad to replace the injured Darren Bent as Peter Crouch was confirmed as a starter against Ukraine.

Agbonlahor, who was withdrawn from the under-21s squad because of injury, was drafted into the pull party this afternoon and will be in the squad to face Ukraine at Wembley.

England coach Fabio Capello insists Villa counterpart Martin O’Neill is happy with the decision.

The Italian said: “I spoke with the manager of Aston Villa and he has been training the last two or three days very well. He is okay now.”

Agbonlahor reported for duty with Stuart Pearce’s side with a sore hamstring and was sent back to Villa.

Capello has also confirmed this afternoon that Crouch will start in the World Cup qualifier, effectively ending speculation that Wayne Rooney would play alone up front with Steven Gerrard in support from midfield.

England’s striker woes had worsened when Tottenham forward Bent pulled out of training.

Bent was only drafted into Fabio Capello’s squad on Saturday evening, after West Ham striker Carlton Cole pulled out.

Twenty-four hours later, Villa striker Emile Heskey withdrew after also getting injured in the friendly win over Slovakia, leaving only Peter Crouch and Bent as Capello’s front-line strikers.

But unless Bent’s injury – which as yet has not been specified – turns out to be nothing more than a niggle, Crouch will have to face the Ukrainians, unless Capello rejigs his entire attacking system.

Centre-back Rio Ferdinand is also back in training and should be fit to face Ukraine.