WEST HAM striker Carlton Cole has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier with Ukraine after injuring his groin during Saturday's 4-0 victory over Slovakia.

In a cruel twist, Cole hobbled off just minutes after coming on as a substitute for the injured Emile Heskey.

The Hammers' frontman was brought on after 15 minutes with a fantastic chance to prove his international credentials in his second cap for his country.

However, he injured a muscle in his leg in the process of attempting a shot on goal, and he was substituted in the 20th minute for Peter Crouch.

While the blow leaves England boss Fabio Capello with limited options up front for the match against Ukraine – Crouch was also left struggling with a hip problem at the end of the weekend's game – it will provide a more severe dilemma for Gianfranco Zola.

Things were beginning to look up for the Irons' manager with the return to fitness of Kieron Dyer, Matthew Upson and James Collins in recent days, but Cole's absence, coupled with the injuries to Jack Collison and Valon Behrami, will leave him with a selection headache in attack for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday.