Manchester United striker Andy Cole was the highest-profile casualty of Kevin Keegan's squad reduction ahead of the European Championship finals - and he did not even attend last night's game against Ukraine after hearing the news.

Cole was given permission by Keegan to miss the friendly international at Wembley, although the England coach made it clear he would have been a certainty for Holland and Belgium if he had been fit enough.

The other three omissions from the squad of 26 players, who were all told of their fate after training yesterday, were Aston Villa goalkeeper David James, West Ham defender Rio Ferdinand and Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer.

While Cole's omission ensured Kevin Phillips and Robbie Fowler of their places, the exclusion of Ferdinand allowed teenager Gareth Barry to travel to Euro 2000 just over a week after being promoted from the under-21 squad following an injury to Jason Wilcox.

Barmby, who unlike Barry is not left-footed but can play on that flank, also made the cut after being recalled to the squad by Keegan almost four years after making his previous appearance in the first match of Glenn Hoddle's reign.

Keegan later explained his decision on Cole: "Andy's been suffering with a minor foot problem. We feel it can easily be resolved during the summer and it would have been a risk to take him to Euro 2000.

"He may be the biggest bone of contention - had he been fit I would have taken him.

"I chatted with him this afternoon. He desperately wanted to come and be part of it but it's my job to say what he knew. Andy wasn't sure he felt quite right with his left foot - I'm sure it's the right decision and so is Andy." Keegan was keen to stress Cole had not been dropped, adding: "If he was fit I would have taken him. He's not fit to go - he's injured, not dropped." He said the other three players who were told they would not be included, before last night's 2-0 win, took the decision well.

"There was no easy way to do it. I think I've got a good balance in the squad. You've got to put Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry as gambles but if you need any indication they are ready for it you probably had it tonight," he said.

Meanwhile, corners from David Beckham, opportunist goals from Fowler and Tony Adams and a series of excellent saves from Nigel Martyn gave England some encouragement last night as they sought a win in their last serious test before Euro 2000. Fowler gave England the lead in the 43rd minute after Alan Shearer had seen a header blocked, and Adams increased it midway through the second half after the Ukraine goalkeeper had punched another corner from Beckham on to Shearer's chest, the ball falling nicely for the Arsenal captain to score. Not for long time has an England game focused so much on one player. This one was as much about Steve McManaman as a friendly against Czechoslovakia shortly before the 1990 World Cup had been about Paul Gascoigne.

Here Kevin Keegan fielded a side designed to give McManaman maximum opportunity to thrive in a floating role behind the strikers. As expected, the England coach switched to a back three with four in midfield.

Liverpool's Gerrard, winning his first cap, provided the main tackling strength and England looked to Paul Scholes to give their movements the precision needed to bring out the best in the roaming McManaman. However, despite seeing a lot of the ball and showing a willingness to run at the opposition, his options were reduced by the lack of movement around him.