'Preparation is key'

Emile Heskey believes that with England together for a full five days before they kick-off their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday against Andorra, that preparation could be the key to getting the right results in the double-header.

Having played his part in England's draw with Czech Republic last month, Heskey feels that the extended period that Fabio Capello and his coaches have enjoyed this week will be a big benefit.

In an exclusive interview with TheFA.com, Heskey admitted: "These five days are very important.

"You always want to have a good preparation for any game, to have five days will be really good for us because we can go over certain things and get things tied down.

"The mood in the camp is very optimistic, we've had a good preparation and hopefully we're going to do well. The spirits are up and the lads are enjoying being together."

Heskey missed out on Fabio Capello's first game in charge through injury, but having started the season well with Wigan Athletic he is delighted to have been called into both squads so far this term.

"It's nice. It's nice to see the manager still has faith in me and wants to put me in the squad.

"The coaching has been very good, they go over the specifics really well and they make sure everything is nailed down.

"I'm just enjoying my football at the moment, you have to really because it will pass you by very quickly you know. I know some people who are coming to the end of their careers and they say you've just got to enjoy every minute of it."

Until last year when Heskey played against Israel and Russia the powerful forward had not been selected for England for over three years, but he admits he never gave up hope of playing for his country again.

"I never gave up, and that was shown when I got back into the squad for the two qualifiers with Israel and Russia. You can never give up, you just have to hang in there and keep performing and hope that the manager comes knocking."

Looking at the two upcoming matches, Heskey says that England's absence from Euro 2008 will be a motivation for the players to do everything they can to ensure that England are part of the World Cup in South Africa.

"We're very determined," Heskey admitted. "Obviously with us not going to the Euros, I think the tournament missed England a little bit, not just the team but more so the fans - they're brilliant when they travel.

"We're very professional and we go about every game the same, we want to win every game we play in.

"We just want to go out there and have a good performance and get the results we deserve."

One player who Heskey singled out for individual praise is Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard who earned his first call-up at the age of 29.

Although Heskey joined Wigan a month after Bullard had departed for West London, he says that the recognition is fully deserved.

Heskey said: "He's over the moon about it.

"He's done really well since he's come into the training sessions and he fully deserves his call-up. The manager is giving him a chance and hopefully he can take it."