LONDON (AP):

EVERTON DEFENDER Joleon Lescott was called into the England squad for the first time yesterday as a replacement for the injured SolCampbell.

The 25-year-old Lescott, who scored his second goal of the season on Saturday to give Everton a 2-1 win at Bolton, was drafted in after Campbell withdrew from the crucial 2008 European Championship matches against Israel and Russia because of a hamstring problem.

"Joleon has been looking very solid for Everton this season, and has also scored a couple of goals," England coach Steve McClaren said. "He is big and strong and is a threat at set-pieces as well, but as a defender he makes life very difficult for strikers."

Lescott, who played for England's Under-21 team and as a substitute in May's B international against Albania, is the second addition to McClaren's initial squad after striker Emile Heskey was recalled on Sunday following a three-year absence from the national team.

The 29-year-old Wigan forward last played for England against France at the 2004 European Championship, but his performances this season and Michael Owen's success at Newcastle alongside the similarly built Mark Viduka persuaded McClaren to bring him back.

With Wayne Rooney out injured until next month, Darren Bent hurt, and Peter Crouch suspended for Saturday's match against Israel, Owen is likely to start both matches at Wembley.

England need good results against Israel and Russia four days later to stay in contention for next year's tournament in Austria and Switzerland. The team is fourth in its qualifying group with five games to play.