England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Heskey hints at Defoe start

07 Sep 2009 - 09:08:24

Click To Enlarge

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey would not be surprised if he lost his place in the England starting line-up for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Croatia to Jermain Defoe.

Former Liverpool and Wigan Athletic forward Heskey started Saturday's friendly win against Slovenia, but made way for Defoe at half-time and the Tottenham star promptly went on to score the second goal in the 2-1 victory at Wembley.

The in-form Spurs forward has now found the net seven times in six appearances for club and country this season, and Heskey admitted: "You can't complain (if Defoe starts).

"Jermain has done brilliantly. Every time he comes on the pitch he scores a goal. That's the main thing.

"We're in competition but it's good competition. It puts you on your toes knowing you've got to do well."

England will seal their place at next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa if they beat Croatia at Wembley.