Emile Heskey retires from England duty - with just 7 goals
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Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey retires from England duty after World Cup debacle (and just seven goals in 62 caps)
Emile Heskey has retired from international football after a disappointing showing with England at the World Cup, where he failed to score.
The Aston Villa striker had been Wayne Rooney's partner of choice during the reign of Fabio Capello, but lost his place to Tottenham's Jermain Defoe after the first two games in South Africa this summer.
Thank you and good night: Heskey (left) shakes boss Capello's hand in South Africa
Heskey won 62 caps for England, scoring just seven times, and divided opinion among fans and pundits alike.
No 1 fan: Heskey's partner Chantelle Tagoe watches in South Africa
'I have enjoyed every moment of my England career and worn the shirt with pride every time I have been fortunate enough to have been selected,' he said.
'I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at The FA and the fans for all their support over the years.
'I wish the management team and the playing squad all the best for the future.'
The 32-year-old started the matches against the United States and Algeria at the World Cup but was dropped for the final group game against Slovenia, when Defoe stepped in to score the only goal in the must-win game.
While his contribution to the Three Lions cause was often questioned by supporters, he remained a popular choice for several England managers.
And despite a less than impressive strike-rate, he was a popular foil for Rooney, who was able to feed of the strong big man's work with his back to goal.
Heskey was handed his international debut by Kevin Keegan when he came on for Kevin Phillips in the friendly against Hungary in Budapest on April 28, 1999.
Target man: Heskey excelled with his back to goal
He played in the European Championships of 2000 and 2004 and was an ever-present at the 2002 World Cup, scoring against Denmark in the first knockout round.
After a three-year break Steve McClaren brought him back into the England fold and he won his 50th cap against Belarus in Minsk in October 2008.
In addition to Villa, Heskey has also played club football for Leicester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Wigan.