Source: Team_Talk
Fabio: Heskey key to England shape
While the build-up to England's fabulous World Cup win over Croatia was dominated by talk of whether Capello should drop Heskey in favour of in-form Jermain Defoe, the Italian never had any doubts.[LNB]It may be obvious that Heskey's goalscoring record - seven goals in 56 internationals - compares unfavourably with Defoe's - eight in his last 10.[LNB]However, Capello feels the Aston Villa forward can bring more out of star men Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney than either Defoe, Carlton Cole or Peter Crouch.[LNB]Indeed, so significant is the 31-year-old that England's coach is prepared to ignore his stated rule that players must feature for their clubs every week in order to be considered for international duty, when he comes to naming his World Cup squad.[LNB]"I don't know whether I will break my golden rule for Heskey, I hope I don't have to think about it," said Capello.[LNB]"But he is really important to the system we play, both in terms of our movement and the way we press to win the ball back.[LNB]"I accept he is not the greatest finisher. But the others can do it. If he opens the door, they will arrive."[LNB]In fact, Capello is prepared to overlook some of the chances Heskey is bound to miss, as he did at Wembley this week, on the basis that his rivals for a starting berth might not have had the opportunities anyway.[LNB]"Emile did miss a great chance on Wednesday but he was the one who created it," said Capello.[LNB]"Someone else might not have created the same chance. Without his movement it is impossible."[LNB][LNB]
