Bent drafted in for Croatia decider

Squad withdrawals continue to test national-team coaches ahead of the final round of UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur FC striker Darren Bent has been called up to the squad for England's decisive meeting with Croatia on after Michael Owen was ruled out with a thigh injury. The 23-year-old, capped twice, will bolster England as they seek a point against the Group E leaders to confirm their place at UEFA EURO 2008™, and manager Steve McClaren has been further boosted by the return of fit-again Owen Hargreaves.

Florent Malouda will miss France's last qualifier in Ukraine with a knee injury. "Florent will return to [Chelsea FC] - he has not recovered yet," said France coach Raymond Domenech, whose side are already assured a top-two spot in Group B. The 27-year-old was injured in Chelsea's 0-0 UEFA Champions League draw against FC Schalke 04. Arsenal FC's Mathieu Flamini, who earned his first cap in Friday's 2-2 friendly draw against Morocco, and Thierry Henry are also carrying minor injuries "but should be available".

Greece travel to Budapest for Wednesday's fixture against Hungary without a quartet of defenders: Traianos Dellas (suspended), Vassilis Torosidis (flu), Ioannis Goumas (thigh) and Giourkas Seitaridis (achilles). With the holders already through as Group C winners, coach Otto Rehhagel could give starts to the likes of Michalis Kapsis, Loukas Vintra and Nikos Spiropoulos.

VfB Stuttgart defender Serdar Tasci has withdrawn from the Germany squad for Wednesday's Group D finale at home to Wales. The uncapped 20-year-old has a knee problem.

Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn has added UC Sampdoria midfielder Reto Ziegler to the squad for Tuesday's friendly with Nigeria. The 21-year-old scored for the Under-21s in their 5-0 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 5 victory against Estonia on Saturday. Tranquillo Barnetta, who has been suffering from illness, and Mario Eggimann (hip) are expected to fit for the game in Zurich.