England v Israel
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 8 September 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1

England v Russia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 12 September 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1

Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey has today been called into the England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia next week.

England Head Coach Steve McClaren has followed Heskey's progress in recent months and the forward's performance away to Newcastle United on Saturday convinced McClaren to bring him into the squad.

In the crowd for Wigan's visit to St. James' Park, McClaren was pleased to see Michael Owen score his second goal in two games, but Heskey caught his eye enough to earn a place in the England squad.

McClaren said: "Emile is a player with a lot international experience and has played many times with Michael Owen in the past.

"He's been in good form for Wigan this season, he played very well against Sunderland and I saw him play well against Newcastle yesterday.

"While he has been out of the squad for a few years, I've spoken with Chris Hutchings who has been hugely impressed with him and I think he deserves to be recalled. We need his experience at this time."