Heskey back in England squad
Emile Heskey: Back in an England shirt
Sunday, 02, Sep 2007 04:50
Emile Heskey has made a shock return to the England squad for the crunch Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.
Heskey, who has scored once in five games this season, was watched by boss Steve McClaren in Wigan's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle yesterday.
McClaren has a striker crisis with Wayne Rooney injured for both home matches with a broken foot while Peter Crouch is suspended for Saturday's game with Israel.
The England manager said Heskey, 29, deserves a recall and his experience will be vital for the must-win games.
"Emile is a player with a lot international experience and has played many times with Michael Owen in the past," McClaren said.
"He's been in good form for Wigan this season, he played very well against Sunderland and I saw him play well against Newcastle.
"While he has been out of the squad for a few years, I've spoken with [Wigan boss] Chris Hutchings who has been hugely impressed with him."
Heskey made the last of his 43 caps for England in the 2-1 defeat to France in Euro 2004.
McClaren's other striking options are Tottenham's Jermain Defoe and Everton's Andrew Johnson – both of whom have yet to score this season.
Newcastle's Alan Smith is also expected to be used as an attacking option while Joe Cole is rumoured to be switching to a forward role.
McClaren will be hoping Michael Owen returns to goal-scoring form after the Newcastle striker grabbed the winner in yesterday's win over the Latics.