A happy reunion

The last time Michael Owen and Emile Heskey started an international together, in August 2003, England was basking in record temperatures of more than 100 degrees.

And four years on the duo were almost as hot as they helped beat Israel 3-0 at Wembley.

It seems amazing that the pair, who so famously put Germany to the sword in Munich, have been apart for so long.

But you would never have guessed it from the way they played on a wonderful night for Steve McClaren’s men.

Owen hit the net with a spectacular strike to confirm his return from injury and grab his 38th goal for his country. And Heskey played a massive part, too - eventually receiving a standing ovation when substituted with 20 minutes to go.

The match no doubt brought back memories of the dynamic duo’s last England start together - a 3-1 victory over Croatia at Portman Road in which Owen also scored.

And given that Croatia are one of England’s big rivals in Group E as they bid to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals, perhaps there is an omen in there somewhere.

Who knows whether the Owen-Heskey partnership is back for good - after all the likes of Peter Crouch, suspended for this game, and Wayne Rooney, injured, will be determined to fight for their places in future.

But there is no question that the link-up play between the two old friends was one of the key aspects of a hugely important England victory.

Heskey could have scored his sixth international goal after only ten minutes when Owen did superbly to lay the ball into his path 12 yards out. But the Wigan man’s effort flew over the bar.

It was a sign of good things to come, however, as Heskey produced a series of clever flick-ons, neat lay-offs and unselfish link-up play that sent regular ripples of applause around Wembley’s packed stands.

One superb chested pass almost sent Steven Gerrard through on goal, only for the midfielder to be cynically blocked, and the big striker also headed narrowly wide from a first-half corner.

There was plenty to admire whenever Heskey received the ball, and Owen too looked sharper by the minute.

He had a wonderful chance to score when Joe Cole’s superb lay-off handed the Newcastle man a free strike on goal. But brave keeper Dudu Aouate kept his fierce effort out - with his face.

Owen, who admitted he was disappointed at chances he missed in the recent friendly defeat against Germany, is not a man to be denied, however.

And when he did find the net it was with a stunning half-volley on the turn from a straight Gareth Barry pass.

Heskey was one of the first to congratulate his strike partner when the ball arrowed high into the top right-hand corner. And just for a minute you had to wonder if you were in 2007 or 2003.

There were plenty of other positives for England, too.

Barry had an excellent game in midfield as he deputised for injured Owen Hargreaves - also setting up England’s third goal with a corner that Micah Richards headed home in spectacular style.

And Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who opened the scoring from a whipped Joe Cole cross, was simply outstanding on the right wing - providing pace, adventure and excitement with every touch. He was deservedly man of the match.

Add in a clean sheet for Paul Robinson on his return to the side and, even if the weather didn’t live up to August 2003, the football certainly did.