Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has retired from International football following England’s disappointing 2010 World Cup performance.

Heskey won 62 caps for England, scoring just seven times, and divided opinion among fans and pundits alike.

‘I have enjoyed every moment of my England career and worn the shirt with pride every time I have been fortunate enough to have been selected,’ he said.

Via Guardian

‘I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at The FA and the fans for all their support over the years.

‘I wish the management team and the playing squad all the best for the future.’

The 32-year-old started the matches against the United States and Algeria at the World Cup but was dropped for the final group game against Slovenia, when Defoe stepped in to score the only goal in the must-win game.

Heskey was handed his international debut by Kevin Keegan when he came on for Kevin Phillips in the friendly against Hungary in Budapest on April 28, 1999.

He played in the European Championships of 2000 and 2004 and was an ever-present at the 2002 World Cup, scoring against Denmark  in the first knockout round.

After a three-year break Steve McClaren brought him back into the England fold and he won his 50th cap against Belarus in Minsk in October 2008.