Heskey calls for focus

England must forget about former glories

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 9th October 2008

Emile Heskey England v Croatia

Heskey: Hoping to reach 50 caps

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Emile Heskey insists England's 4-1 triumph over Croatia has been consigned to the history books.

With World Cup qualifying action set to resume this weekend, the Wigan striker knows the Three Lions cannot afford to bask in the glory of the past.

Kazakhstan arrive at Wembley on Saturday for the first instalment of a double-header, before a trip to Belarus awaits Fabio Capello's men next Wednesday.

Both games provide potential upset opportunities, a fact not lost on veteran front-man Heskey.

Minnows

The 30-year-old said: "The lads all put in a good shift against Croatia and that was one of the reasons we got the good result we did. It was a great lift for everyone.

"But now our aim is to do the same this weekend against Kazakhstan and then Belarus. We want to do well in every game. We have forgotten about the games before.

"We want to focus on these ones coming up, and the ones after that, and make sure there are no slip-ups.

"People say we are playing 'minnows', but there are no minnows in international football really.

"You've just got to know that every game is going to be a battle. When you go into these games, you've got to be focused because they're going to be putting 110 per cent into everything because they're playing England.

"We have slipped up occasionally in the past when everyone thought it was going to be easy and we have to make sure there is no repeat of that now."

Limited

Heskey will reach the 50-cap milestone if he features in both of the upcoming fixtures and admits he feels like an elder statesman.

"It has been good to be back in the squad. It was strange coming back last time with Steve McClaren. All the lads were younger than me," he added.

"I have not played that much in recent years for England but I never gave up the chance of getting to 50 caps. It would be nice to get up there.

"I am not surprised my chances have sometimes been limited because other lads have come along and done really well.

"You've had Peter Crouch, who has been doing brilliantly for his club and also done really well at international level.

"Then there is Jermain Defoe. They have all come along and done really well.

"The lads have come along and done well but, for me, it's good to be involved again and England look to be heading in the right direction."