Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey believes he's forming a great England strike-partnership with Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney.

His efforts were appreciated by Rooney, who said: "His work-rate was unbelievable; he held the ball up well; he created a goal - and I think he is a vital part of this England team."

Heskey, who tended to bring the best out of Michael Owen before the Newcastle man lost his place in the squad, feels he and Rooney are now developing a partnership that can take England to South Africa in 2010.

"We are trying to get that understanding," he said.

"On the training pitch we try to work on bits and pieces together - and it is paying off.

"Whoever the manager wants me to play up front with, I will try to perform. We enjoy playing together. We enjoy playing football, and you can see it with Wayne when he is out there - he puts 100% in."

After three years in the international wilderness, Heskey feels he is now part of the squad again.

"Starting the last few games, you feel part of the team. But you never know what is going to happen," he added.