Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey says he never gave up on his England career.

"No, I never thought my international career was over," he said. "You just have to focus on playing well for your club.

"Once you've done that, you don't know what's going to happen. I got a taste of it before and I am enjoying it now."

Like former Villa team-mate Gareth Barry, Heskey is certainly benefiting from the arrival of Fabio Capello, who has guided England through their faultless start to Group Six.

"Fabio coming in has helped a lot of players," said Heskey.

"Training sessions are recorded and the manager probably watches them again, so you have to make sure you are really doing well."