Capello makes plea for Heskey to come out of retirement
Published 23:00 02/10/10 By Paul Smith
Emile Heskey has rejected the chance to come out of international retirement to ease England’s striker crisis.
The 32 year-old Aston Villa striker was approached by Fabio Capello last week and offered the chance to be in his squad tomorrow to face Montenegro in the Euro 2012 qualifier on October 12.
Before receiving the Heskey knock-back, Capello explained: “I saw Emile against Wolves and he played very well. He is in very good form.
“We need him at this moment and we will try and speak to him. We are talking about one game against Montenegro so he will have to decide.”
The SOS call to Heskey was made following a crippling injury list to front-line players which has prevented Capello from selecting either Jermain Defoe or Bobby Zamora.
The form of West Ham’s Carlton Cole has also become an issue for the Italian coach.
Heskey won 62 caps for England, but scored only seven times during an 11-year senior international career.
But he hung up his international boots immediately after the World Cup this summer.
It is understood that Heskey turned down the approach because there were no guarantees that he would be selected beyond one game and would be forced to announce his retirement for a second time.
Meanwhile, Capello will name Wayne Rooney in his squad tomorrow after being given the all-clear from his Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
And Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshire will be promoted to the senior squad after playing for the England Under-21’s.
But there is no room for David Beckham, despite his return from injury with LA Galaxy.
Capello claimed: “I am really happy that he is getting his fitness back and has returned to action. But it is too soon. He has been out for six months and needs to play more.”
Capello also insisted there was no chance of him making a dramatic U-turn and remaining with England after the Euro 2012 finals.
He also refused to enter into the debate whether his successor should be English.
He added: “It is the decision of the FA. I can’t decide about that. I think in England there are good managers, but the FA has to decide.”
Capello has admitted he is monitoring Lewis Holtby, the German U-21 captain who is eligible to play for England by parentage. But he has ruled out picking him for now.
