Heskey never gave up hope of international recall

EMILE HESKEY insists he never gave up hope of earning an England recall as he relishes the prospect of resuming his partnership with Michael Owen.

Heskey could make his first appearance since the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal in tomorrow’s qualifier for the 2008 tournament against Israel, after being called into the squad this week by Steve McClaren.

Owen has always sung the praises of Heskey and he has scored 11 times in 12 starts alongside him — including his hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich in 2001.