Heskey to miss Macedonia clash

Emile Heskey has been ruled out of England the team to play Macedonia tonight because of groin injury.

England striker Emile Heskey has been ruled out of tonight’s European Championship qualifier against Macedonia at St Mary’s Stadium with a groin problem.

Heskey pulled up in the final 10 minutes of yesterday’s training session with the injury and it has not improved overnight.

The Liverpool player will return immediately to Anfield in the hope that he can regain fitness for Saturday’s game against Leeds at Elland Road.

Football Association director of communication Paul Newman said: "Emile is unfit for tonight’s game and he will be going back to his club.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson thought it would be silly to risk him tonight and so he is returning to Liverpool with the hope of being fit for his club."

Heskey’s withdrawal means that Alan Smith is almost certain to start his second international for England.

The Leeds striker made an impressive impact on his full debut against Portugal at Villa Park when he scored England’s goal in a 1-1 draw last month.