Capello may need reinforcements following the 4-0 win over Slovakia, with first goalscorer Emile Heskey, his replacement Carlton Cole, and a second substitute, Peter Crouch, all going off before the end.

Cole is definitely out of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine with a thigh injury, while Heskey will have a scan tomorrow after lasting just 14 minutes after suffering what Capello claimed was cramp.

And even though Crouch should be fit despite picking up a hip injury, Capello will almost certainly need back-up, especially if Heskey misses out.

But Owen does not have to wait for a call and neither does Kevin Davies, who had been tipped to earn a place in Capello's original squad when it was announced last week.

"Michael Owen played 20 minutes in his last game, it is not enough," declared Capello.

"And it would not be Kevin Davies either."

Unless Gabriel Agbonlahor is fit again after pulling out of Under-21 duty in Norway this week with a hamstring strain, Darren Bent - part of the England team that won in Germany last November - would appear to be the logical choice.

However, Capello will wait for the results of Heskey's scan before deciding his next course of action.

"At the moment we don't know," said Capello, who also confirmed Rio Ferdinand should be available for Wednesday's game after scans on a groin injury which caused him to miss out tonight revealed no damage.

With the uncertainty surrounding his strikeforce, Capello must be 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," he said. "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.

Lennon's departure 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.

Crouch's header would have brought 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 is not a foregone conclusion.

"Ukraine are a good team," he said.

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

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

"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."