Will Heskey be Owen's foil?

Updated 11.02 Wed Sep 05 2007

Keywords: Euro 2008, Premier League, Andrew Johnson, England, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, football, Steve McClaren, sport

Emile Heskey's aerial prowess looks set to see him win the battle to partner Michael Owen up front when England take on Israel in their vital Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Saturday.

With Wayne Rooney on the sidelines through injury and Peter Crouch suspended, McClaren believes the Wigan Athletic striker offers his men another way of attacking a notoriously obdurate Israel outfit.

"Emile gives us other options. He is a problem for defenders in the air and, in Israel, because Peter Crouch was not available, we did not have a Plan B" - Steve McClaren

England were held to a 0-0 draw in Tel Aviv in March and McClaren said: "There are only three ways you can get at teams - you can either go through them, go round them or go over them.

"Emile gives us other options. He is a problem for defenders in the air and, in Israel, because Peter Crouch was not available, we did not have a Plan B.

"We have not got Peter for the Israel game this time either, which is one of the reasons I have brought Emile in."

While Heskey, who has been recalled after three years in the international wilderness, has only scored five goals in 43 appearances to date for his country, he has been a useful foil for Owen - their partnership has produced 14 goals in 12 England starts.

However, Andrew Johnson, who partnered Rooney up front in Israel six months ago, will also be hoping to partner Owen as England look to kickstart their bid to reach next summer's European Championship finals in Switzerland and Austria.

Johnson has been key to Everton's fine start to the Premier League season but has failed to find the back of the net since his winner against Arsenal at Goodison Park in March.

McClaren's men resume their qualification campaign three points behind Croatia and Israel at the top of Group E.