Wigan Athletic boss Chris Hutchings is backing Emile Heskey to silence his England critics tonight.

Hutchings said: "The stick Emile seems to come in for is totally unjust. Most of it comes from these pundits - or experts, as they like to be called - and they just want to be controversial.

"It is about time they get behind the players, the manager and England.

"We all want the same thing - to qualify for the major competitions and for us to do well. I think it's time we get off people's backs and give them encouragement instead."

Hutchings wants Heskey to revive his double-act with Michael Owen, which proved successful for both Liverpool and England.

The Latics chief added: "We all know the partnership Emile had with Owen was an extremely good one.

"We will only see that if they play together. But, with Emile coming back into the squad, you've got to think that way.

"I expected him to be in the original squad, to be perfectly honest, after the performances he's put in recently."