The Italian made the decision after Carlton Cole was ruled out with a thigh injury picked up in this evening's 4-0 win over Slovakia.

Capello also has a major doubt over Emile Heskey, who will undergo a scan tomorrow after lasting just 14 minutes before limping off with what the England coach described as cramp.

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Bent won the last of his four caps in November, when he was part of the team that registered an historic win over Germany in Berlin.

Previously, the 24-year-old was a substitute when England suffered their catastrophic home defeat to Croatia that cost them a place at Euro 2008.

With Michael Owen and Kevin Davies ruled out as potential replacements for Cole, the only other possibility was Gabriel Agbonlahor, but he pulled out of the Under-21 defeat in Norway last night with a hamstring strain.

Capello will wait for the results of the scan on Heskey, who prodded England in front after just eight minutes to break an international scoring drought that dates back almost six years, before deciding whether he needs further reinforcements.

However, Peter Crouch should be fit despite taking a hefty bang on the hip from former team-mate Martin Skrtel that forced him off before the end.

In addition, Rio Ferdinand should be available for Wednesday's game after scans on a groin injury that caused him to miss out tonight revealed no damage.

Given the uncertainty surrounding his strikeforce, Capello was relieved Wayne Rooney performed so well, scoring two second-half goals to seal a well deserved man-of-the-match award.

"I am very happy for him," said Capello.

"He played very well, scored two goals and is a very important player for us.

"His movement with Steven Gerrard was very good, both when we were attacking and defending and I was delighted."

Although he is loathe to use him in such a role, Capello has not entirely dismissed the thought of playing Rooney as the main striker in midweek.

"Rooney can play anywhere," said the Italian. "If our team were a pack of cards, he would be our joker."

Capello also offered Aaron Lennon a decent pat on the back after an encouraging first-half display from the Tottenham man.

It was Lennon's departure that heralded the entrance of David Beckham for his record 109th cap, with the signs that he will earn many more after he supplied the pinpoint cross for Rooney's first after earlier setting up Crouch for what would have been a goal had an offside John Terry not needlessly prodded the ball over the line.

"David played like I know David can," said Capello.

"It was a good cross for Wayne's goal. His movement was good and he held the ball really well."

With Frank Lampard adding a third before Rooney's chip completed the scoring in stoppage time, injuries not withstanding, Capello can look forward to the Ukraine encounter with confidence, although he accepts the win that would put England well on the way to South Africa 2010 will be difficult.

"Ukraine are a good team," he said.

"When they drew against Croatia they defended very well. It will not be any easier for us."

There was also praise from Vladimir Weiss, whose side were supposed to supply a tough test themselves having risen to the top of Group Three before they were ousted by Northern Ireland's fine win over Poland.

"The English team is one of the best in the world," he said.

"I could not understand why they failed to reach Euro 2008.

"Fabio Capello has made them much braver. They are disciplined and full of energy.

"They have some fantastic players and gave us a slap behind the ear which, bearing in mind we must face the Czech Republic on Wednesday, we probably needed."