2010 FIFA World Cup: Good News For All England Fans, Emile Heskey Quits

After the horror of this year's World Cup, England flop Emile Heskey has announced his retirement from International football.

The Aston Villa striker has surprisingly won 62 caps for his country, scoring only seven times (as a striker!).

He has always been seen as the lame duck for the England team. Many fans believe he didn’t deserve to be on the national squad this year.

However, he was chosen for this summer's World Cup in South Africa. People weren’t happy that Steven Gerrard was playing a bit out of position, while others thought Heskey was playing 5,000 miles out of position.

Heskey started the matches against the United States and Algeria but was dropped for the final group game against Slovenia. They drew the two games he was in and won the game he wasn’t in. 

While supporters questioned his place in the squad, he remained a popular choice for several England managers.

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."

Kevin Keegan gave Emile his debut in a friendly against Hungary in Budapest on April 28, 1999 as a sub.

He played in Euro 2000 and 2004 and was on the team for the 2002 World Cup.

He had a three-year break from international duty but was brought back by Steve McClaren for his 50th cap against Belarus in Minsk in October 2008.

Heskey hasn’t always been the first choice for many Englishmen, but the men at the top of football must have thought he had something, as he was awarded 62 caps.