Darren Bent has been called into the England squad for Wednesday's game against Croatia.

A point at Wembley will see Steve McClaren's men qualify for Euro 2008, but they must get a result without first-choice strikers Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Tottenham man Bent comes in for Owen, who picked up a thigh strain in Friday's friendly away to Austria, while Rooney has an ankle injury.

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves also returns to the squad having missed the Austria game with tendinitis in his knees.

McClaren said: "I said after the game on Friday there is enough in that dressing room, there are good enough players to get the result we need. I have called up Darren Bent and Owen Hargreaves will join us.

"Owen has good experience and he is playing regularly for United. Expectations I know are great, but you can't do it without the fans.

"It's about sticking together, being positive and getting behind the team. We have got no excuses, we have to perform, and it would be a great boost to get the media, fans and people on the street behind us."

Bent has started just four Premier League games following his £16.5 million switch from Charlton Athletic, but has two goals in his last three appearances.

It had been thought that Under-21 stars Gabriel Agbonlahor or Theo Walcott might be called up, but they remain with Stuart Pearce's squad.

Bent is not expected to start at Wembley, with Peter Crouch likely to operate as a lone striker supported by two wide attacking midfielders. Alan Smith and Jermain Defoe are McClaren's other forward options.

Israel's victory against Russia on Saturday meant England do not even need a win against Croatia, who have already qualified.

Alex Chick / Eurosport