England captain John Terry has warned that Andriy Shevchenko will be out to prove his doubters wrong in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The 32-year-old endured a miserable two-year spell at Chelsea where he became a shadow of the player once regarded as the best striker in Europe.

After scoring just nine goals in 47 matches at the Blues, Shevchenko rejoined AC Milan in 2008 where he is yet to score a goal as he looks to rediscover his top form.

But Terry believes his former team-mate still has the ability to blow Group Six wide open when the two sides meet at Wembley.

He said: "Things didn't go too well for him at Chelsea but he is a quality player. When you forget about Sheva, he pops up with a goal. We know we need to be aware of him. He's a big player over there and he always says when he goes back to Ukraine, the pressure is on and he wants to do well.

"He'll be coming here for two reasons - to prove Chelsea wrong and prove himself for his country.

"I texted him but he hasn't texted me back since last Friday's press conference - he must have been watching!"

Fabio Capello's side warmed up for the visit of Ukraine with Saturday's 4-0 thumping of Slovakia. Wayne Rooney scored twice to add to goals from Emile Heskey and Frank Lampard on an evening marred by a trio of injuries that have hampered England's attacking options.

Peter Crouch is expected to shake off a dead leg but Heskey and Carlton Cole have withdrawn from the squad due to hamstring and calf problems respectively.

Capello has snubbed Michael Owen in favour of Darren Bent as a replacement, leaving question marks over the Newcastle striker's international future.

While expressing his disappointment at the injury situation, Terry hailed David Beckham's contribution after he became the most capped outfield player in England's history.

"Becks is unbelievable," said Terry, who reached a personal milestone of 50 international appearances on Saturday.