Former Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen says Emile Heskey deserves his England place.

England coach Fabio Capello preferred Heskey ahead of Sunderland's Darren Bent - and Laursen can understand his thinking.

He told Villa's website: "Fabio sees his importance to the England team because of that work-rate and his partnership up front. That's why he's been selected.

"Emile is very physical and works so hard for the team.

"He is a handful - as a defender when the opposition have the ball and play it forward to Emile you know you'll have to fight with him every time. He wins headers and he's so, so strong.

"Then when you have the ball as a defender, looking to play it out, he works really hard, tracking you down - he's a pain in the neck for the opposition.

"He just doesn't give defenders any time on the ball. They have no time to think and find the right solutions.

"Both Wayne (Rooney) and Emile work really hard - not only when in possession but when they haven't got the ball too. That's a great trait for any forward."