Sad News: Heskey retires from England Duty

July 15th, 2010 | by: Rob |

Tragic news coming off the wires, as footballing legend Emile Heskey – once described as the “most popular footballer of his generation” – has decided enough is enough, he can’t take the adulation of playing for England any longer and has decided to call it a day.

Emile, I can’t express enough thanks for the work you’ve done in an England shirt. From being a part of that epic 5-1 win in Munich, to, er, other wins, in your 62 caps you’ve seen it all.

“I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at the Football Association 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.” were Emile’s final words as an England international.

Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey as he was born, was first capped for England by visionary manager Kevin Keegan. Alot of people questioned the move at the time, but obviously it turned out to be a master-stroke.

He was in England’s squad for Euro 2000, but couldn’t make much of an impact from the bench, in England’s three matches, Heskey came on as a sub in two of them. Perhaps if he had started, we would have done better in that tournament.

Of course under Sven he was given a more prominent role and wreaked havoc in England’s 5-1 destruction of Germany in Munich.

He showed his versatility at the 2002 World Cup, where he was deployed at Left Wing to fill a gap. He may have had an international goal drought, but Gerrard and Owen seemed to enjoy playing with him.

And England win against Serbia and Montenegro gave him a chance to be Captain of his country briefly, and by now, no-one could argue with his status, he was a hero.

Or so we thought. He spent a period dropped from the England side, and though he was called up prior to the 2006 World Cup, Peter Crouch largely kept him out of the side, as the public’s fickle affection shifted focus.

Sven was sacked after a disappointing 2006 World Cup (largely because of Heskey’s absence?) Steve McLaren didn’t heed the lesson, and of the many mistakes he made, perhaps not recalling the heroic Heskey straight away was his biggest.

After being begged by Michael Owen, and after a plea from Alan Shearer on Match of the Day, Heskey was recalled as cover for the injured Wayne Rooney for two vital matches at the end of our Qualification campaign. He was widely praised.

He of course played a big role in qualification under Fabio Capello as we swept aside the opposition, but when the World Cup came around Fabio had a wobble and decided that maybe not starting with Heskey was the best plan. Despite this, he got England off to a flying start by setting up Steven Gerrard’s goal against the USA, but by the time he was subbed on against Germany, it was too late, even for the great Heskey.

So tired of being unappreciated, Heskey has now left us. The future is bleak my friends.

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http://www.worldcupblog.org Daryl

I'll miss him to be honest. I think he was criminally underrated and was very unfairly the butt of too many jokes and the bearer of too much criticism.

But at 32, I think it was time. Can't wait to see who's next for England striker duty. Crouch and Defoe obviously, but I'm hoping for someone like Agbonlahor too. Or maybe the much talked about Rooney up front with Gerrard behind combo?
http://bolton.theoffside.com/ Matilda

I agree with Daryl to some extent, he was very much an up and down player. This World Cup, and I think for a lot of this past season he was uninspiring, but when he was on, he was a great player.

Ferdinand's given his verdict (via Twitter, @rioferdy5): “Emile heskey retires from international football- Always created space for others,a real team player+appreciated by he's team mates.”

it is nice to see footballers supporting one another
http://twitter.com/footy_banter football-banter.com

He got a rough ride, even after Wayne Rooney's pathetic displays at the last 2 World Cups Heskey is still the one that gets it in the neck. I don't blame him, the fans will just find another figure to blame. Wonder who it will be?
brentonwalters

At least the England coaches will have to figure out a new way to approach team selection. Now if only one of Gerrard and Lampard would retire…
steven.

so long and thanks for all the boos!
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/ZAAHBSZLO2ZIXYMJXPHSKKCJO4 holytoledo3

I always liked Heskey and saw him as a tough player to mark for defenders even though he had ups and downs. Still, the English fans were too rough on him to start, but he made a great duo with Owen when he was healthy.

Good luck with trying to fill the void with him.
NYSpur

He played for England??
Seif

I suggest him to be replaced by a young striker. Here's one for the future: James Keene, 24, playing in Elfsborg (Sweden). He has just scored in Europa League a couple of days ago. you could check him in this video (n°17; scored twice in this game 3 months ago)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIvnKbj3uRs
vNvN

You were too good for us, Emile Guillaume Ivanhoe Heskey (as I shall now for evermore call you).
Helen

Yes he was an up and down player. Up in an off-side postion or DOWN on his arse.
Good ridance as far as I can say. He's been Uninspiring for years and has never been a great player period.
Helen

Yes he always gets it in the neck for always being in an off-side postion or DOWN on his arse with his two left feet. Not known for his goal scored record either. Plays well with Rooney? yeh right, with the rubber ducks in the bath from what I've seen.
I don't blame Heskey either, but I can't find the cause of his lack of awareness when getting flagged offside or why he falls over so much, perhaps the linesmans glasses need changing and the groundsmen need to cut the grass shorter.
Come on for god sake, Heskey had his time, a good servant but well past it for this W/C. Thank You very much for your efforts and not before time.
Proud to be Heskey

Wore the shirt and fell over and was offside and fell over and was offside and got replaced by Defoe who scored a goal.
Mart

Agree Heskey was criminally OVERrated and FAIRLY got the criticism. Crouch and Defoe must stay in the squad along with Rooney. Add Agbonlahor, Bent and Zamora and a few others and we should do alright.
Not sure about Gerrard, agree if he plays behind the front man all well and good but otherwise I can't see him in the starting 11..
Mart

We have Bobby Zamora banging them in every week and in Europe as well. Get him in now.
Marouane Chamakh

lol every week? please.
Emile Heskey

This Mart guy needs a slap
Why do you comment on every post like you're a BBC pundit you sad clown
Mart

Doubt you could stand up on two feet long enough to slap me old mucker.
A sad clown ?
Like everyone I can make any comment I see fit, just like you.
Fact is, I see it as it is.
Heskey has been a good servant but is no longer good enough for top class football.