England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Absence hurts Heskey

09 Oct 2007 - 11:30:30

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Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey admits he will be a frustrated spectator when England take on Estonia and Russia in vital Euro 2008 qualifiers in the next week.

Heskey is currently sidelined by a foot injury, having returned to the international stage in style to help his country to 3-0 wins over Israel and Russia last month.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "It's not easy watching when you're out through injury, but I'll be cheering England on.

"Steve McClaren has kept in regular touch for progress reports. The protective boot I'm wearing should be coming off next week and then we can decide whether I can step up my work.

"I hope this is the case, because I've been doing a lot of work on the bike and in the gym.

"This is the first break I've ever had. I was only ever out for six weeks when I was 16 due to a cartilage problem.

"This time, I just went over on my ankle and all my weight was on one side. It could have happened at any time.

"It was good to be back in the England set-up, but then the injury has been a real blow."