By Rob Parrish
Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has announced his retirement from international football.
The powerful forward, who won 62 caps but scored just seven goals during his England career, has decided to call time on his spell with the Three Lions following their miserable World Cup campaign.
Heskey started the first match against the USA in South Africa and made a dream start, setting up Steven Gerrard's early opener.
The 31-year-old was again selected by fabio Capello for the dismal goalless draw with Algeria, before being replaced by Jermain Defoe for the victory over Slovenia and 4-1 thrashing by Germany, coming on as a substitute in both games.
Pride
Heskey said: "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.
"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."
Heskey was handed his England debut by Kevin Keegan when he came off the bench in the friendly against Hungary in Budapest in April 1999.
Future
The former Leicester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Wigan frontman was involved in the 2002 World Cup and the European Championships of 2000 and 2004.
A three-year spell away from the international scene was ended by Steve McClaren and he won his 50th cap away to Belarus in October 2008.
Heskey was not always the most popular selection among some England supporters, but successive international managers showed faith in his abilities, which were often regularly praised by his team-mates.
Capello must now look to the future as he aims to rebuild England's shattered confidence for the Euro 2012 qualification campaign without the services of the experienced forward.
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