Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been forced to pull out of the England squad to face the Czech Republic on Wednesday through injury.

The playmaker had to be substituted during United’s draw with Newcastle on Sunday with an ankle problem that will keep him out for two to three weeks.

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has been called up as replacement by boss Fabio Capello for the Wembley friendly.

Wigan striker Emile Heskey was the shock inclusion in the initial squad.

The 30-year-old, who has scored five international goals in 45 games, last played for England in September against Russia and replaces Portsmouth forward Peter Crouch, who was expected to be heavily involved in the game.

Tottenham’s Darren Bent, who had been widely tipped to earn a place in the squad following a superb pre-season, was also omitted, with Capello opting for Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott and Heskey as his forwards.

The Italian was at Upton Park on Saturday to watch Dean Ashton score twice against Wigan, but the forward had to come off in the second half with a calf problem and is unavailable for Wednesday.

As Capello reshuffled his striking pack, he called on the rest of his players to weigh in with goals to take the pressure off the forwards.

“You have to play in a different style - the other players they have to score more goals,” he said.

“You have to come in front of the goal with a lot of players. It’s a problem everywhere - Italy are so-so in attack, Germany so-so. Only (Spain’s Fernando) Torres is a big striker in this moment in the world.

“Portugal, no. Also the French, you didn’t see anything at Euro 2008. It’s a big problem now because the teams defend very well.”

Capello named 23 players in total for the friendly, including both Rooney and Steven Gerrard, who have been been struggling with thigh injuries, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been selected to return to the international fold.

As expected, David Beckham will make the trip from Los Angeles for the match before flying on to Beijing to take part in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games as an ambassador for London 2012.

Beckham is one of four captains Capello has used in his four friendlies in charge, but the final choice of who will lead England into their World Cup qualifiers is thought to be between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

The decision is due to be announced on Tuesday.