Emile Heskey

=Emile Heskey= From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978) is an English footballer who plays for Aston Villa as a striker.

Born in Leicester, Heskey started his career with hometown club Leicester City after progressing through their youth system, making his first team debut in 1995. After winning the League Cup in 1997 and 2000 he made an £11 million move to Liverpool in 2000, which, at the time, was the record transfer fee paid by the club. At Liverpool, he won multiple honours, including the FA Cup in 2001. He moved to Birmingham City in 2004 and after their relegation from the FA Premier League signed for Wigan Athletic for a club record £5.5 million fee in 2006. He signed for current club Aston Villa in 2009.

Heskey was an England international at under-16, under-18, under-21, B and senior levels. He made his England debut against Hungary in a 1–1 draw in 1999. He lost his place in the squad after UEFA Euro 2004, during which he failed to shine and was the subject of much criticism. After a long lay-off from international duty, Heskey was recalled to the England squad for UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers in September 2007. He retired from international football following the 2010 FIFA World Cup, having attained 62 caps and scored seven goals for his country. He is also really black in his picture. {| class="toc" id="toc"

Contents
[hide] *1 Club career
 * 1.1 Leicester City
 * 1.2 Liverpool
 * 1.3 Birmingham City
 * 1.4 Wigan Athletic
 * 1.5 Aston Villa
 * 2 International career
 * 2.1 Youth level
 * 2.2 Senior level
 * 2.2.1 2002 FIFA World Cup
 * 2.2.2 UEFA Euro 2004
 * 2.2.3 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
 * 2.2.4 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
 * 2.2.5 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
 * 2.2.6 2010 FIFA World Cup
 * 3 Style of play
 * 4 Personal life
 * 5 Honours
 * 6 Career statistics
 * 6.1 Club
 * 6.2 International
 * 6.3 International goals
 * 7 Footnotes
 * 8 References
 * 9 External links
 * }

Leicester City
Heskey was born in Leicester, Leicestershire to a family of Antiguan descent,[3] and his father, Tyrone Heskey, ran the security of nightclubs in Leicester.[4] He was a keen footballer in his childhood and began playing for Ratby Groby Juniors, a local youth team in Leicester.[5] He stood out amongst his peers and at the age of nine he accepted a place at Leicester City's football academy.[6] [7] Progressing through their youth system, he made his first team debut at the age of 17 while still a first-year trainee in an FA Premier League match against Queens Park Rangers on 8 March 1995.[8] [9] Leicester were relegated to the First Division following the end of the 1994–95 season and he signed his first professional contract with the club on 3 October.[1] He became a first team regular in the 1995–96 season, making 30 appearances for the club, helping them earn promotion back to the FA Premier League.[8] During this season, Heskey scored his first goal as a professional footballer, which came in a 1–0 victory over Norwich City, in a season he managed to score seven goals.[8]

During the 1996–97 season, his first in the Premier League, Heskey scored 10 goals in 35 appearances, and also scored the equaliser in the 1997 League Cup Final against Middlesbrough, which Leicester won in a replay.[8] The following season, 1997–98, saw interest from Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur for Heskey, as he again managed to score 10 Premier League goals, which made him Leicester's top scorer that season.[10] However, the 1998–99 season saw Heskey score only six top-flight goals, and he was criticised for not scoring enough goals and going to ground too easily.[10] During this season however, he forged an effective strike partnership with Tony Cottee, who benefited from Heskey's unselfish style of play,[10] which manager Martin O'Neill claimed kept the club in the Premier League.[11] He went on to win the League Cup again in 2000 with a 2–1 win against Tranmere Rovers in the Final.[12]

Liverpool
Heskey durnig Jamie Carragher Testimonial Match (2010)Heskey joined Liverpool on 10 March 2000 in a long-anticipated £11 million move, which, at the time, set the record transfer fee for the Merseyside club.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_shrugs_off_record_fee_12-0">[13] Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier looked forward to working with him, but stated that "at his age he is not the finished product".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_shrugs_off_record_fee_12-1">[13] The press saw the move as expensive and risky as Heskey was relatively inexperienced and was not a prolific goalscorer.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey.27s_.C2.A311m_burden_13-0">[14] However, he was held in high regard by both the England under–21 manager, Peter Taylor, and England and Liverpool teammate Michael Owen.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey.27s_.C2.A311m_burden_13-1">[14] Veteran Liverpool striker Ian Rush approved of the signing, noting that Heskey would "give Liverpool a different dimension", bringing strength to the Liverpool strikeforce and complementing Owen and Robbie Fowler's pacy play.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey.27s_.C2.A311m_burden_13-2">[14] Heskey made his debut in an FA Premier League clash with Sunderland on 11 March 2000 and scored his first goal in a 3–0 victory over Coventry City on 1 April.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Liverpool_1_.281.29_-_1_.280.29_Sunderland_14-0">[15] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Coventry_0_.280.29_-_3_.282.29_Liverpool_15-0">[16] He finished the 1999–2000 season with 12 appearances and three goals for Liverpool.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1st_Team_1-1">[2] He featured in the FA Cup Final on 12 May 2001, starting ahead of Robbie Fowler, which Liverpool won 2–1 against Arsenal.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Owen_shatters_Arsenal_in_Cup_final_16-0">[17] During the 2000–01 season Heskey scored 22 goals for Liverpool as the club won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1st_Team_1-2">[2] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-0">[18] He also scored Liverpool's second goal when they beat Bayern Munich 3–2 in the 2001 UEFA Super Cup.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-UEFA_European_Competitions_2000-01_18-0">[19] "Some people like to criticise Emile, but I can produce plenty of facts and figures to back up how important he is to us, and how many goals we have scored that he has been involved in."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_staying_at_Liverpool_19-0">[20] Gérard HoullierHeskey was linked with a £12 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in December 2002, but Houllier insisted he was a part of his long-term plans and he remained at Liverpool.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_staying_at_Liverpool_19-1">[20] The same year, Heskey made a six-figure donation to aid a consortium led by Gary Lineker in their bid to buy-out his former club, Leicester City, who were experiencing financial difficulties.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_digs_deep_for_Leicester_20-0">[21] The 2002–03 season saw him score nine goals in 51 appearances for Liverpool and received criticism for his low goal to game ratio, with Houllier claiming that his future at the club was safe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Houllier_keeps_faith_with_Heskey_21-0">[22]

He picked up a hamstring injury during a match against Newcastle United in January 2004, which ruled him out of action for three weeks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_faces_lay-off_22-0">[23] In the 2003–04 season Heskey faced increasing competition from Milan Baroš for a place in the Liverpool starting line-up.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-1">[18] Nevertheless, he scored 12 goals and secured a place in the England squad for the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-2">[18] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2003.2F2004:_23-0">[24]

Birmingham City
At the end of the 2003–04 season, Heskey signed for Birmingham City on a five-year contract for an initial fee of £3.5 million, which could have risen to £6.25 million,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Birmingham_sign_Heskey_24-0">[25] and would thus have become Birmingham's most expensive player.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_gets_Birmingham_heading_in_the_right_direction_25-0">[26] He suffered from an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly against CA Osasuna, which put his Premier League debut against Portsmouth in doubt.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_boost_for_Birmingham_26-0">[27] He was eventually able to play against Portsmouth on 14 August, and the match ended as a 1–1 draw.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Portsmouth_1-1_Birmingham_27-0">[28] His first goal came with a header in the eighth minute against Manchester City, which was enough to earn a 1–0 victory on 24 August.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Birmingham_1-0_Man_City_28-0">[29] Despite Birmingham's mediocre 2004–05 season, Heskey was named as the club's Player's Player of the Season, Fan's Player of the Season, finished as top goalscorer with 11 goals and won most Man of the match awards.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-3">[18]

He suffered from an ankle injury against Blackburn Rovers on 19 April 2006,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Birmingham_hit_by_more_injuries_29-0">[30] and after passing a late fitness test, played in a 0–0 draw against Everton on 22 April.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Everton_0-0_Birmingham_30-0">[31] Birmingham's 2005–06 season, during which Heskey scored only four goals in 34 league appearances, culminated in relegation to the Championship.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2005.2F2006:_31-0">[32] During this season, Heskey gave inconsistent performances and received abuse from Birmingham fans.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-4">[18] Birmingham managing director Karren Brady stated that Birmingham's relegation meant that the last £1.5 million of the maximum £6.25 million fee for signing Heskey from Liverpool would not be payable.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Blues_prepared_for_the_worst_-_Brady_32-0">[33]

Wigan Athletic
Heskey playing for Wigan Athletic in 2007Heskey was signed by Wigan Athletic for a fee of £5.5 million on 7 July 2006.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wigan_seal_.C2.A35.5m_move_for_Heskey_33-0">[34] He made his debut for Wigan against Newcastle United on 19 August 2006, which his new club lost 2–1.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Newcastle_2-1_Wigan_34-0">[35] On his 500th league appearance, Heskey scored his first goal for Wigan in a 1–0 Premier League victory over Reading on 26 August.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wigan_1-0_Reading_35-0">[36] He scored eight goals in 36 appearances during the 2006–07 season,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2006.2F2007:_36-0">[37] as Wigan avoided relegation on goal difference over Sheffield United, against whom Heskey played well for Wigan on 13 May 2007, in a game he nearly scored a bicycle kick.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Sheff_Utd_1-2_Wigan_37-0">[38] He suffered a suspected broken metatarsal in September,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_has_suspected_broken_toe_38-0">[39] and made his return for Wigan in a 2–0 defeat to Arsenal in November.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2007.2F2008:_39-0">[40] He picked up an ankle injury during Wigan's 5–3 victory against Blackburn Rovers in December.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_faces_weeks_out_of_action_40-0">[41] On 14 April 2008, Heskey scored a 90th minute equalising goal against Chelsea, which damaged their hopes of winning the Premier League.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Chelsea_1-1_Wigan_41-0">[42] He went on to score Wigan's equaliser against Tottenham in the following game to give them a 1–1 draw,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wigan_1-1_Tottenham_42-0">[43] which proved to be his last goal of the 2007–08 season, which he finished with four goals in 28 appearances.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2007.2F2008:_39-1">[40]

His first goal of the 2008–09 season came in Wigan's fourth game,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2008.2F2009:_43-0">[44] a 5–0 victory against Hull City at the KC Stadium.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Hull_0-5_Wigan_44-0">[45] He hinted in October that he would be interested in leaving Wigan to play in the Champions League,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_eyes_bright_future_45-0">[46] with former club Liverpool believed to be interested in signing him in the January transfer window.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey:_Come_.27n_get_me.2C_Rafa_46-0">[47] Although, Wigan manager Steve Bruce hoped to persuade him to sign a new contract at the club.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Bruce_hopes_to_keep_Heskey_47-0">[48] Heskey commented on reports of interest from Liverpool by saying "It would be lovely. We'll see how it goes."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_open_to_Liverpool_return_48-0">[49] He scored his 100th goal in the Premier League against Portsmouth on 1 November, which secured a 2–1 victory for Wigan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Portsmouth_1-2_Wigan_49-0">[50] Dave Whelan, the Wigan chairman, hinted that Heskey could be transferred by Wigan in January 2009, as a fee would be received, whereas he would move on for free in the summer, which came after he had stalled on talks over a new contract.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wigan_hint_at_Heskey_January_exit_50-0">[51] However, Steve Bruce said he would only accept an offer for Heskey if it was "outrageous".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wigan_manager_Steve_Bruce_puts_.C2.A310_million_price_tag_on_Emile_Heskey_51-0">[52] He later said he was confident of keeping Heskey at the club.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Bruce_confident_of_keeping_Heskey_52-0">[53] Heskey picked up a hamstring injury during a match against Bolton Wanderers in December, which resulted in him missing an FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_to_miss_Tottenham_cup_clash_with_hamstring_injury_53-0">[54] He later said he would stay at Wigan and see out his contract until the summer of 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_pledges_to_stay_with_Wigan_54-0">[55]

Aston Villa
Heskey signed for Aston Villa for a fee of £3.5 million on a three-and-a-half year contract on 23 January 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Villa_sign_England_striker_Heskey_55-0">[56] He made his debut against Portsmouth on 27 January 2009 and scored in this game with a strike from 20 yards; the first time he has scored on his debut for any club for which he has played.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Portsmouth_0-1_Aston_Villa_56-0">[57] He scored one more goal before the end of the season, with the opening goal in a 1–1 draw with West Ham United.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Aston_Villa_1-1_West_Ham_57-0">[58] He finished the season with 14 appearances and two goals for Villa.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2008.2F2009:_43-1">[44] Heskey playing for Aston Villa in 2009He suffered from concussion after minutes into a Peace Cup pre-season friendly game against Málaga CF in July.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Aston_Villa.27s_Emile_Heskey_suffers_concussion_in_pre-season_friendly_58-0">[59] Heskey was reported to have said he was considering leaving Villa during the January 2010 transfer window, to help ensure he would be chosen for the England team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Barry_understands_Heskey_stance_59-0">[60] to which manager Martin O'Neill responded by saying "There are players at this club with England ambitions. I wouldn't be overly concerned about all that yet."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-O.27Neill_unmoved_on_Heskey_future_60-0">[61] However, Heskey later denied he was seeking to leave Villa.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_denies_Villa_quit_threat_61-0">[62] O'Neill told him to "build up a head of steam" in February 2010, saying he was concerned that Heskey's injuries were denying him from producing his best form.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Aston_Villa_striker_Emile_Heskey_is_told_to_build_up_a_head_of_steam_62-0">[63] Heskey finished the 2009–10 season with 42 appearances and five goals in all competitions.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Season_2009.2F2010:_63-0">[64]

His first appearance of the 2010–11 season came after starting in a 1–1 draw at Rapid Vienna in the Europa League play-off first leg.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Rapid_Vienna_1_-_1_Aston_Villa_64-0">[65] Under Gérard Houllier, who previously managed Heskey at Liverpool, the striker enjoyed a successful start to the 2010–11 campaign including winning goals in the local derbies with Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.

On 7 May 2011 in Aston Villa's home game against Wigan, Heskey barged in to referee Mike Jones and continued to argue with him because he did not award a free kick for an alleged elbow by Antolín Alcaraz. Heskey received a yellow card for his behaviour and had to be restrained by team-mates such as Brad Friedel and captain Stiliyan Petrov. He played for the remainder of the half, but had to be restrained again in the tunnel at the interval. Caretaker manager Gary McAllister chose to substitute him for Marc Albrighton at half-time, and Heskey was not allowed to remain at the stadium for the rest of the game. Despite his outburst, Heskey received no punishment from either Villa or The Football Association. Teammate Luke Young later said that Heskey was "lucky he didn't get sent off". He is also shit. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_escapes_punishment_over_referee_barge_and_tunnel_row_65-0">[66] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_.27lucky.27_not_to_see_red_66-0">[67] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Aston_Villa.27s_season_of_torment_takes_its_toll_on_Emile_Heskey_67-0">[68]

Youth level
Heskey gained his first international recognition after playing for the England under-16 team, making four appearances and appearing at the 1994 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_The_Football_Association_68-0">[69] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Archive_Material:_Evington_Echo_.28Issues_101_to_110.29_69-0">[70] He played alongside Michael Owen in the under-18 team which finished third in the European Championships in France,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-5">[18] and made eight appearances and scored five goals for the team.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_playerhistory_70-0">[71] Heskey went on to gain recognition with the under-21 team, making his debut after starting in a 0–0 draw with Poland on 8 October 1996.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England.27s_Under_21_Matches_featuring_Black_Players_71-0">[72] After making his final appearance in a 3–0 victory over Yugoslavia in a 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification play-off on 29 March 2000,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England.27s_Under_21_Matches_featuring_Black_Players_71-1">[72] he finished his under-21 career with 17 caps, in which he scored six goals.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_Under-21_Caps_72-0">[73] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_Under-21_Goalscorers_73-0">[74] He was capped once by the England B team, against Chile on 10 February 1998, in which he scored a 90th minute goal in a 2–1 defeat.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_-_International_Results_B-Team_-_Details_74-0">[75]

Senior level
Heskey was given his first call-up to the senior England team for a friendly against the Czech Republic on 18 November 1998, but did not play.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_Profile_75-0">[76] He made his debut in a friendly against Hungary in Budapest in a 1–1 draw on 28 April 1999 and made his first start against Argentina at Wembley Stadium on 23 February 2000.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_Profile_75-1">[76] That showing ensured he was in the England squad for the UEFA Euro 2000 tournament.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_bbc_76-0">[77] However, his two substitute performances in the tournament could not help England, as the team were eliminated in the group stage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey_Profile_75-2">[76]

2002 FIFA World Cup
Heskey was selected in the squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_squad_in_full_77-0">[78] and was used as a make-shift option to play in England's left-wing role in the game against Sweden, but did not perform well out of his regular position.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_78-0">[79] He scored against Denmark in England's 3–0 victory, which saw England reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_brush_Danes_aside_79-0">[80] He featured in this game, where England were beaten 2–1 by the eventual champions Brazil.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Brazil_end_England.27s_dream_80-0">[81] He and teammate Ashley Cole received abuse from some Slovakia supporters when England played them in a friendly in October 2002,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Dyer_out_of_England_squad_81-0">[82] which led to UEFA opening an investigaton into the allegations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Uefa_talks_down_Slovakia_ban_82-0">[83] Slovakia were eventually forced to play their next home international behind closed doors.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Uefa_closes_doors_on_Slovakia_83-0">[84]

UEFA Euro 2004
Heskey's place in the England squad had been placed under scrutiny in 2003 with the emergence of Wayne Rooney into the England squad.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Rooney_puts_pressure_on_Heskey_84-0">[85] However, despite being criticised for his lack of international goals,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21_-_Emile_Heskey_85-0">[86] he continued to be an integral part of the international squad and took over the captaincy from Michael Owen after he was substituted when England beat Serbia and Montenegro 2–1 in his hometown of Leicester in June 2003.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_National_Football_Team_Match_No._803_86-0">[87] Heskey was named in the England squad for UEFA Euro 2004,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Sven_names_squad_for_Euro_2004_87-0">[88] but failed to perform well, and was the subject of much criticism.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11_Emile_Heskey_.7C_Forward_17-6">[18] He came on as a substitute while England were leading 1–0 against France and fouled Claude Makélélé on the edge of the penalty area, giving away a direct free kick from which France equalised. England eventually lost 2–1.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-France_2-1_England_88-0">[89]

2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
Heskey was recalled into the England squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan in 2005, after having been dropped following the game against Ukraine in August 2004.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Bruce_ecstatic_over_Heskey_recall_89-0">[90] Since the emergence of Peter Crouch in the England squad, the possibility of a recall receded further.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_head_and_shoulders_above_Crouch.2C_says_Bruce_90-0">[91]

UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
Heskey playing for England against the Czech Republic in a friendly in 2008Heskey's international appearances under manager Steve McClaren were limited, although he was recalled to the England squad in September 2007 for the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers as cover for the injured Rooney against Israel and Russia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_recalled_to_England_squad_91-0">[92] on the recommendation of Michael Owen, after stating that he wanted to play alongside Heskey.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Bring_back_Emile_Heskey.2C_Owen_tells_McClaren_92-0">[93] He started the game against Israel and played an important role in the England attack, and by featuring he became the first England player to be capped for England whilst playing for Wigan Athletic.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_3-0_Israel_93-0">[94] Heskey also started the next match against Russia, fighting off competition from Peter Crouch for a place in the team,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Steve_McClaren_sticks_with_Emile_Heskey_94-0">[95] during which he created an assist for Owen's second goal.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_3-0_Russia_95-0">[96] He was widely praised for his performances in the two matches, with former England international Alan Shearer commenting, "Never in a million years did I expect to be discussing whether Emile Heskey should keep his place ahead of Wayne Rooney but the Wigan striker was outstanding over both games."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-BBC_pundits_on_England_96-0">[97]

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
Heskey was called into manager Fabio Capello's first squad against Switzerland,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Beckham_left_out_of_England_squad_97-0">[98] but had to withdraw due to an injury.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wright-Phillips_fit_for_England_98-0">[99] He was called into the squad for a friendly against the Czech Republic in August 2008 and came on as a 46th minute substitute, in a match that finished 2–2.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_2-2_Czech_Rep_99-0">[100] He featured in the following 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification victories against Andorra and Croatia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Andorra_0-2_England_100-0">[101] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Croatia_1-4_England_101-0">[102] Heskey was alleged to have been racially abused during the match against Croatia, with monkey chants being heard from sections of the Croatia support,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Racial_abuse_aimed_at_Emile_Heskey_by_Croatia_fans_reported_to_Fifa_102-0">[103] after which FIFA opened an investigation,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Fifa_to_probe_Heskey_racial_abuse_103-0">[104] and eventually fined the Croatian Football Federation £15,000 for the incident.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Croatia_fined_over_Heskey_abuse_104-0">[105] Heskey playing for England in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in 2009He played his 50th game for England in the 2010 World Cup qualifier against Belarus on 15 October 2008,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Belarus_1-3_England_105-0">[106] after which he was credited as helping Wayne Rooney's improved form in international matches,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Rooney.27s_resurgence_inspired_by_arrival_of_Berbatov.2C_says_Ferdinand_106-0">[107] with the two forming an effective strike partnership and keeping Owen out of the side.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Fabio_Capello_strikes_gold_with_bold_choice_of_Emile_Heskey_over_Michael_Owen_107-0">[108] He started in a friendly against Spain in February 2009, which drew an angry reaction by Villa manager Martin O'Neill, who wanted to know why Capello played Heskey after suffering from an injury.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-O.27Neill_angry_over_Heskey_start_108-0">[109] Heskey scored his first goal for England in six years against Slovakia, scoring England's first in a 4–0 victory at Wembley Stadium.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_4-0_Slovakia_109-0">[110] He picked up a hamstring injury during this game, which forced him into withdrawing from the squad.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_pulls_out_of_England_squad_110-0">[111] He scored in a 4–0 victory over Kazakhstan in a 2010 World Cup qualifier in June, which was his first competitive goal for England in seven years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Kazakhstan_0-4_England_111-0">[112]

2010 FIFA World Cup
Heskey was named in England's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2010 World Cup on 11 May 2010 and was eventually chosen for the final 23-man squad on 1 June.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Fabio_Capello_makes_surprise_England_World_Cup_choices_112-0">[113] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-World_Cup_2010:_Theo_Walcott_left_out_of_England_squad_113-0">[114] Heskey injured England captain Rio Ferdinand during a training session on 4 June, which ruled Ferdinand out of the tournament.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Rio_Ferdinand_out_of_England_World_Cup_squad_114-0">[115] He started in England's opening game, a 1–1 draw with the United States, and despite assisting Steven Gerrard's goal and his strengths being shown "his biggest weakness" of a lack of goals was highlighted.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Capello.27s_big_calls_backfire_115-0">[116]

Heskey retired from international football on 15 July 2010, at the age of 32, having scored seven goals in 62 appearances for England.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Striker_Heskey_retires_from_international_football_116-0">[117]

Style of play
Heskey plays as a forward with pace, being a powerful targetman with physical strength and is hard working.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1st_Team_1-3">[2] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_78-1">[79] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-The_Debate:_Is_Darren_Bent_the_man_to_replace_Emile_Heskey_for_England.3F_117-0">[118] His play has been likened to "a blunt instrument with which to bludgeon defences".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-The_oof-factor_behind_Emile_Heskey.27s_Indian_summer_118-0">[119] His main contributions to the team lie in the way he holds the ball up and draws defenders out, leaving space behind him for another player to score.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England_78-2">[79] He has been credited as being an unselfish player who allows other forwards to benefit.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Full_steam_ahead_for_England_as_Capello_pushes_all_the_right_buttons_119-0">[120] He is not a prolific goalscorer but is able to provide a significant amount of assists.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-The_Ben_Jacobs_Column:_Will_Emile_make_return_journey_to_his_beloved_Leicester_City.3F_120-0">[121] He has been quoted as saying "Forwards are judged on their goalscoring. But I like to think I bring a lot more to the game and I do get pleasure from assisting".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-World_Cup_2010:_Emile_Heskey_tells_critics_-_I_do_more_for_England_than_score_goals_121-0">[122] He impressed the England staff with his versatility, as he can also play down the left wing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey_relishes_second_chance_122-0">[123] However, he has been criticised by the media for his lack of goals;<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Time_for_.27Bruno.27_Heskey_to_punch_his_weight_123-0">[124] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21._Emile_Heskey_124-0">[125] lapses in his goalscoring have been described as being "hardly uncommon".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Football:_Heskey.27s_striking_lack_of_goals_is_a_worry_125-0">[126] In 2008 it was stated that "It is only the perception of his talents that changes" after Heskey stated he was no better or worse than before.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey:_back_in_fashion_126-0">[127]

Personal life
Heskey was the partner of Kylee Pinsent but he left her in 2004 and is now engaged to Chantelle Tagoe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Fiancee_of_Premier_League_star_Emile_Heskey_held_at_knifepoint_in_her_own_home_during_daring_daylight_robbery_127-0">[128] He started seeing Tagoe secretly in 2002, who worked part-time as a waitress at a lap-dancing bar in Liverpool, while still in a relationship with Pinsent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Article:_Heskey_has_a_partner_and_two_kids_but_Chantelle_is_besotted_..she_talks_about_him_all_the_time.3B_Exclusive:_the_pounds_11m_soccer_star_and_the_cocktail_waitress..28News.29_128-0">[129] Following the revelation of his two-year affair with Tagoe, Pinsent broke up with Heskey.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-England.27s_legover_eleven_129-0">[130] He is the father of five children, three of them with former partner Pinsent and two with Tagoe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Footballer_Emile_Heskey.27s_fianc.C3.A9e_threatened_at_knifepoint_as_robbers_raid_home_130-0">[131] His fiancée Tagoe was held at knifepoint at their home in Hale, Greater Manchester in July 2008, while he was at a training session.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey.27s_wife_held_at_knifepoint_131-0">[132] The thieves burgled the house and stole Heskey's BMW but neither Tagoe, nor their two children who were in the house, were hurt.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heskey.27s_wife_held_at_knifepoint_131-1">[132] Following this, he said Tagoe was "very, very distressed" by the incident.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Emile_Heskey.27s_fiancee_threatened_by_armed_burglars_132-0">[133] In 2009, he was rated as owning a personal fortune of £12 million.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-133">[134] Heskey and other members of the England team supported the Shoe Aid for Africa campaign in 2009, which was aimed at helping underprivileged children in Africa.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Aston_Villa_star_Emile_Heskey_donates_fooball_boots_to_help_African_children_134-0">[135]

Honours

 * Leicester City
 * League Cup
 * Winner: 1997, 2000
 * Runner-up: 1999
 * First Division
 * Play-off winners: 1996
 * Liverpool
 * FA Cup
 * Winner: 2001
 * League Cup
 * Winner: 2001, 2003
 * FA Charity Shield
 * Winner: 2001
 * UEFA Cup
 * Winner: 2001
 * UEFA Super Cup
 * Winner: 2001
 * Aston Villa
 * League Cup
 * Runner-up: 2010

Club

 * As of 5 November 2011.

International goals

 * As of 6 June 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Player_Info_140-1">[141]