Heskey handed shock England recall
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Article summary
Emile Heskey has been drafted into the England squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Israel and Russia but injury has ruled out Sol Campbell.
Article body
England manager Steve McClaren has drafted striker Emile Heskey into his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ home qualifiers against Israel and Russia while defender Sol Campbell has been removed due to a hamstring injury.
Three-year absence
The 29-year-old Heskey has earned a shock recall after a fine start to the season with Wigan Athletic FC in the Premier League. Capped 43 times, scoring five times, the former Liverpool FC player has not played for his country since the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals. "I think he deserves to be recalled. We need his experience at this time," said McClaren. "Emile is a player with a lot international experience and has played many times with Michael Owen in the past. He's been in good form for Wigan this season."
Injury jinx
England's attacking options have been hit by injuries to Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Kieron Dyer and Frank Lampard while Peter Crouch is suspended for the game against Israel on 8 September. Steven Gerrard is still a doubt with a hairline fracture of a toe and the injury to 32-year-old Campbell has now seen the curse spread to the defence. England sit fourth in Group E three points behind Croatia and Israel - although they have a game in hand on the latter - and one behind a Russia side who they meet on 12 September.
