View source for Emile Heskey

{{Short description|English footballer (born 1978)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Emile Heskey
| image = Emile Heskey as a player of England national football team.jpg
| caption = Heskey playing for [[England national football team|England]] in 2009
| full_name = Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2016/june/efl-club-retained-and-released-lists-published/ |title=EFL: Club retained and released lists published |publisher=English Football League |date=23 June 2016 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=13 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213225711/https://www.efl.com/news/2016/june/efl-club-retained-and-released-lists-published/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|1|11|df=y}}<ref>{{Hugman|8855|access-date=12 December 2017}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Leicester]], England
| height = {{convert|1.88|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/908/Emile-Heskey/overview |title=Emile Heskey: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=18 April 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418202506/https://www.premierleague.com/players/908/Emile-Heskey/overview |url-status=live }}</ref>
| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = [[Leicester City W.F.C.|Leicester City Women]] (head of football development)
| youthyears1 = 1987–1994
| youthclubs1 = [[Leicester City F.C. Under-21s and Academy|Leicester City]]
| years1 = 1994–2000
| clubs1 = [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
| caps1 = 154
| goals1 = 40
| years2 = 2000–2004
| clubs2 = [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
| caps2 = 150
| goals2 = 39
| years3 = 2004–2006
| clubs3 = [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]
| caps3 = 68
| goals3 = 14
| years4 = 2006–2009
| clubs4 = [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]
| caps4 = 82
| goals4 = 15
| years5 = 2009–2012
| clubs5 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
| caps5 = 92
| goals5 = 9
| years6 = 2012–2014
| clubs6 = [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]]
| caps6 = 42
| goals6 = 10
| years7 = 2014–2016
| clubs7 = [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]
| caps7 = 45
| goals7 = 3
| totalcaps = 633
| totalgoals = 130
| nationalyears1 = 1994
| nationalteam1 = [[England national under-16 football team|England U16]]
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1995–1996
| nationalteam2 = [[England national under-18 football team|England U18]]
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalgoals2 = 5
| nationalyears3 = 1996–2000
| nationalteam3 = [[England national under-21 football team|England U21]]
| nationalcaps3 = 17
| nationalgoals3 = 6
| nationalyears4 = 1998
| nationalteam4 = [[England national football B team|England B]]
| nationalcaps4 = 1
| nationalgoals4 = 1
| nationalyears5 = 1999–2010
| nationalteam5 = [[England national football team|England]]
| nationalcaps5 = 62
| nationalgoals5 = 7
| manageryears1 = 2021
| managerclubs1 = [[Leicester City W.F.C.|Leicester City Women]] (interim)
}}
'''Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey''' (born 11 January 1978) is an English former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who currently serves as head of football development of [[Leicester City W.F.C.|Leicester City Women]]. Playing as a [[Striker (association football)|striker]], he made more than 500 appearances in [[English Football League|the Football League]] and [[Premier League]] over an 18-year career, and represented [[England national football team|England]] in international football. He also had a spell in Australia, playing for the [[A-League]] club [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]].

Born in [[Leicester]], Heskey started his career with [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] after progressing through their youth system, making his first-team debut in 1995. After winning the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] in [[1997 Football League Cup Final|1997]] and [[2000 Football League Cup Final|2000]] he made an £11&nbsp;million move to [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in 2000, which, at the time, was the record transfer fee paid by the club. At Liverpool, he won multiple honours, including the [[FA Cup]] in [[2001 FA Cup Final|2001]]. He moved to [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] in 2004 and after their relegation from the Premier League signed for [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] for a club record £5.5&nbsp;million fee in 2006. He signed for [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in 2009 and was released in 2012 before signing for the Australian A-League club [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]]. After two years, he returned to England, finishing his career with [[EFL Championship|Championship]] club [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]].

Heskey was an England international at [[England national under-16 football team|under-16]], [[England national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[England national under-21 football team|under-21]], [[England national football B team|B]] and senior levels. He made his England debut against [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] in a 1–1 draw in 1999. He lost his place in the squad after [[UEFA Euro 2004]], during which he failed to shine and was the subject of much criticism. After a long lay-off from international duty, Heskey was recalled to the England squad for [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying|UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers]] in September 2007. In England and Liverpool, Heskey formed a successful strike partnership with Michael Owen.<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Jim |date=2020-05-27 |title=Emile Heskey and Michael Owen reunited: 'We had a football understanding that took it to another level' |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/05/27/emile-heskey-michael-owen-reunited-had-football-understanding/ |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> He retired from international football following the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], having attained 62 [[Cap (association football)|caps]] and scored 7 goals for his country.

In 2021, Heskey was announced as the head of women's football development at [[Leicester City W.F.C.|Leicester City Women]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-03 |title=Leicester name Emile Heskey as Head of Women's Football Development |url=https://herfootballhub.com/leicester-name-emile-heskey-as-head-of-womens-football-development/ |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Her Football Hub}}</ref>

==Early life==
Heskey was born in [[Leicester]], Leicestershire,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/lcfc-legend-emile-heskey-coming-1225963 |title=Leicester City legend Emile Heskey is coming to the King Power Stadium for an exclusive event |first=Hayley |last=Watson |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |date=17 February 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722231956/https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/lcfc-legend-emile-heskey-coming-1225963 |url-status=live }}</ref> to a family of [[Antigua]]n descent,<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams |title=Hiatus over for Heskey, a pivotal figure finally |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/10/englandfootballteam-worldcup2010qualifiers |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=10 October 2008 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203031403/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/10/englandfootballteam-worldcup2010qualifiers |url-status=live }}</ref> and his father, Tyrone Heskey, ran the security of nightclubs in Leicester.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ralph |last=Ellis |title=Martin O'Neill ready to get best from Emile Heskey again |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Martin-O-Neill-ready-to-get-best-from-Emile-Heskey-again-article31680.html |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London |date=25 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016161217/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Martin-O-Neill-ready-to-get-best-from-Emile-Heskey-again-article31680.html |archive-date=16 October 2012}}</ref> He attended [[City of Leicester College|City of Leicester School]], [[Evington]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Fiona |last=Dryden |title=School's history to be celebrated |url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/school-s-history-celebrated/story-19283338-detail/story.html |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |date=14 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224162612/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/school-s-history-celebrated/story-19283338-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 December 2016}}</ref>

==Club career==
===Leicester City===
[[File:Emile Heskey 29-04-2006 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Heskey in [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] colours during an event at the club's ground in 2006]]

Heskey was a keen [[Association football|footballer]] in his childhood and played for Ratby Groby Juniors, a local youth team in Leicester.<ref>{{cite web |title=Groby Juniors Football Club: About us |url=https://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/grobyjuniors/ |publisher=Groby Juniors F.C. |access-date=24 June 2017 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224234958/http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/grobyjuniors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He stood out amongst his peers and at the age of nine accepted a place at [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]'s [[Leicester City F.C. Under-21s and Academy|football academy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Academy staff profiles |url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/Academy/0,,10274~432360,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722013331/http://www.lcfc.com/page/Academy/0%2C%2C10274~432360%2C00.html |archive-date=22 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Wallace |title=Emile Heskey: Happy again |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/emile-heskey-happy-again-6154369.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=22 January 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204135447/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/emile-heskey-happy-again-6154369.html |archive-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> Progressing through their youth system, he made his first-team debut at the age of 17 while still a first-year trainee in a [[Premier League]] match against [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] on 8 March 1995.<ref name="Seasonal record: (Part 1) 1995-97">{{cite web |first=David |last=Scranage |title=Emile Heskey: Seasonal record: (Part 1) 1995–97 |url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=36969 |website=sporting-heroes.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605073827/http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=36969 |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Emile Heskey |url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/ClubTemplate4/0,,10274~1108190,00.html |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=10 September 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805161951/http://www.lcfc.com/page/ClubTemplate4/0,,10274~1108190,00.html |archive-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> Leicester were [[Promotion and relegation|relegated]] to the [[Football League First Division|First Division]] following the end of the [[1994–95 Leicester City F.C. season|1994–95 season]] and he signed his first professional contract with the club on 3 October 1995.<ref>{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=196}}</ref> He became a first-team regular in the [[1995–96 Leicester City F.C. season|1995–96 season]], making 30 league appearances.<ref name=Rothmans9697/> During this season, Heskey scored his first goal, which came in a 1–0 victory over [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]], in a season he managed to score seven goals.<ref name="Seasonal record: (Part 1) 1995-97"/> He helped Leicester earn promotion back to the Premier League, starting in the [[1996 Football League First Division play-off final|1996 First Division play-off final]] on 27 May as they beat [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] 2–1.<ref name=1996POF>{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Rowbottom |title=Claridge's climax shatters Palace |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-climax-shatters-palace-1349607.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=27 May 1996 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=4 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104034550/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-climax-shatters-palace-1349607.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the [[1996–97 Leicester City F.C. season|1996–97 season]], his first in the Premier League, Heskey scored 10 goals in 35 appearances,<ref name="Seasonal record: (Part 1) 1995-97"/> and scored the equaliser in the [[1997 Football League Cup Final|1997 League Cup Final]] against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Moore |title=Heskey levels at the last to deflate Juninho |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-heskey-levels-at-the-last-to-deflate-juninho-1265668.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=6 April 1997 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402221356/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-heskey-levels-at-the-last-to-deflate-juninho-1265668.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which Leicester won in a replay.<ref name=1997LC>{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Moore |title=Claridge's five-star silver service |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-five-star-silver-service-1267700.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=16 April 1997 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925202456/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-fivestar-silver-service-1267700.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Heskey was runner-up to [[David Beckham]] for the [[PFA Young Player of the Year]] award.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shearer wins PFA award |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-wins-pfa-award-1267032.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=13 April 1997 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105081405/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-wins-pfa-award-1267032.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[1997–98 Leicester City F.C. season|following season]] saw interest from [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] and [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] for Heskey, as he again scored 10 Premier League goals, making him Leicester's top scorer that season.<ref name="Seasonal record: (Part 2) 1997-00">{{cite web |first=David |last=Scranage |title=Emile Heskey: Seasonal record: (Part 2) 1997–00 |url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=36970 |website=sporting-heroes.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813161259/http://sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=36970 |archive-date=13 August 2010}}</ref> However, the [[1998–99 Leicester City F.C. season|1998–99 season]] saw Heskey score only six top-flight goals, and he was criticised for not scoring enough goals and going to ground too easily.<ref name="Seasonal record: (Part 2) 1997-00"/> During this season however, he forged an effective strike partnership with [[Tony Cottee]], who benefited from Heskey's unselfish style of play,<ref name="Seasonal record: (Part 2) 1997-00"/> which [[manager (association football)|manager]] [[Martin O'Neill]] claimed kept the club in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |first=Scott |last=Anthony |title=On second thoughts: Emile Heskey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/aug/29/wiganathletic |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=29 August 2007 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234414/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/aug/29/wiganathletic |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey started for Leicester in the [[1999 Football League Cup Final|1999 League Cup Final]] on 21 March, in which they were beaten 1–0 by Tottenham Hotspur.<ref name=1999LC>{{cite news |title=Nielsen nicks it for Spurs |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/300408.stm |website=BBC News |date=22 March 1999 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=1 April 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401194506/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/300408.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He went on to win the League Cup again with a 2–1 win against [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] in the [[2000 Football League Cup Final|2000 final]] on 27 February.<ref name=2000LC>{{cite news |title=Leicester triumph at Wembley |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/658945.stm |website=BBC News |date=27 February 2000 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831140001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/658945.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Liverpool===
[[File:Emile Heskey 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Heskey during [[Jamie Carragher]]'s [[testimonial match]] in 2010]]

Heskey signed for [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 10 March 2000 in a long-anticipated £11&nbsp;million move, which, at the time, set the [[List of Liverpool F.C. records and statistics#Record transfer fees paid|record transfer fee paid]] by the Merseyside club.<ref name="Heskey shrugs off record fee">{{cite news |title=Heskey shrugs off record fee |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/672844.stm |website=BBC News |date=10 March 2000 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414144938/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/672844.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Liverpool manager [[Gérard Houllier]] looked forward to working with him, but stated that "at his age he is not the finished product".<ref name="Heskey shrugs off record fee"/> The press saw the move as expensive and risky as Heskey was relatively inexperienced and was not a prolific goalscorer.<ref name="Heskey's £11m burden">{{cite news |title=Heskey's £11m burden |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/672937.stm |website=BBC News |date=10 March 2000 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703054719/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/672937.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he was held in high regard by both the England under-21 manager, [[Peter Taylor (footballer, born 1953)|Peter Taylor]], and England and Liverpool teammate [[Michael Owen]].<ref name="Heskey's £11m burden"/> Veteran Liverpool striker [[Ian Rush]] approved of the signing, noting that Heskey would "give Liverpool a different dimension", bringing strength to the Liverpool strikeforce and complementing Owen and [[Robbie Fowler]]'s pacey play.<ref name="Heskey's £11m burden"/> Heskey made his debut in a Premier League clash with [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] on 11 March 2000 and scored his first goal in a 3–0 victory over [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] on 1 April.<ref name=sb9900/> He finished the [[1999–2000 Liverpool F.C. season|1999–2000 season]] with 12 appearances and 3 goals for Liverpool.<ref name=sb9900/>

He started in the [[2001 Football League Cup Final|2001 League Cup Final]] on 25 February, in which Liverpool beat [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] 5–4 on [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalties]] after a 1–1 [[Extra time (association football)|extra-time]] draw.<ref name=2001LC>{{cite news |title=Blues shot down as Liverpool lift cup |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/worthington_cup/1187654.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2001 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=7 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507180548/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/worthington_cup/1187654.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He played in the [[2001 FA Cup Final]] on 12 May 2001, starting ahead of Fowler, which Liverpool won 2–1 against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].<ref name=2001FAC>{{cite news |title=Owen shatters Arsenal in Cup final |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/1324699.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=26 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226114516/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1324699.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days later, Heskey started in the [[2001 UEFA Cup Final]], in which Liverpool beat [[Deportivo Alavés]] 5–4 after extra time.<ref name=2001UC>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/16/minutebyminute.sport |title=Liverpool 5–4 Alavés |first=Matt |last=Biggs |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=16 May 2001 |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827174126/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/16/minutebyminute.sport |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[2000–01 Liverpool F.C. season|2000–01 season]], Heskey scored 22 goals for Liverpool as the club won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup [[treble (association football)|treble]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/where-are-they-now-liverpools-200001-treble-winners |title=Where are they now? Liverpool's 2000/01 treble winners |first=Mark |last=Langshaw |website=FourFourTwo |publisher=Future |date=28 February 2017 |access-date=24 December 2019 |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224154931/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/where-are-they-now-liverpools-200001-treble-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> He started for Liverpool in the [[2001 FA Charity Shield]] on 12 August, in which they beat Manchester United 2–1.<ref name=2001FACS>{{cite news |title=Liverpool edge out Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1487037.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 August 2001 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=20 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420194953/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1487037.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored Liverpool's second goal when they beat [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] 3–2 in the [[2001 UEFA Super Cup]] on 24 August.<ref name=2001USC>{{cite news |title=Liverpool sink Bayern |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/1506424.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 August 2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804060504/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/1506424.stm |archive-date=4 August 2016}}</ref>

Heskey started for Liverpool in their 2–1 defeat to Arsenal in the [[2002 FA Community Shield]] on 11 August 2002.<ref>{{cite news |title=Slick Arsenal win Shield |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2182875.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2002 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107082047/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2182875.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was linked with a £12&nbsp;million move to Tottenham Hotspur in December 2002, but Houllier insisted he was a part of his long-term plans and he remained at Liverpool.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Heskey staying at Liverpool |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2548699.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=6 December 2002 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614162253/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2548699.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, Heskey made a six-figure donation to aid a consortium led by [[Gary Lineker]] in their bid to buy-out his former club, Leicester City, who were experiencing financial difficulties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey digs deep for Leicester |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2359863.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=25 October 2002 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225012941/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2359863.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He started in Liverpool's 2–0 win over [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the [[2003 Football League Cup Final|2003 League Cup Final]] on 2 March.<ref name=2003LC>{{cite news |title=Liverpool lift Worthington Cup |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2811805.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=2 March 2003 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=15 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215064350/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2811805.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[2002–03 Liverpool F.C. season|2002–03 season]] saw him score 9 goals in 51 appearances for Liverpool and received criticism for his low goal to game ratio, with Houllier claiming that his future at the club was safe.<ref>{{cite news |title=Houllier keeps faith with Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3031756.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=30 June 2003 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225021615/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3031756.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

He picked up a hamstring injury during a match against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in January 2004, which ruled him out of action for three weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey faces lay-off |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3432745.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2004 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225021157/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3432745.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[2003–04 Liverpool F.C. season|2003–04 season]], Heskey faced increasing competition from [[Milan Baroš]] for a place in the Liverpool starting line-up.<ref name=espn>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=7955&cc=3888 |title=9 Emile Heskey – Forward |website=ESPN Soccernet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507014616/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=7955&cc=3888 |archive-date=7 May 2008}}</ref> He regained his place in the team after an injury ruled Baroš out for months and finished the season with 12 goals.<ref name=espn/><ref name=sb0304/>

===Birmingham City===
At the end of the 2003–04 season, Heskey signed for Birmingham City on 18 May 2004 on a five-year contract for an initial £3.5&nbsp;million fee, which could have risen to £6.25&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |title=Birmingham sign Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3720031.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2004 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626002430/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3720031.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and would thus have become Birmingham's most expensive player.<ref>{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Lansley |title=Heskey gets Birmingham heading in the right direction |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/heskey-gets-birmingham-heading-in-the-right-direction-0xcdkzfgngn |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=London |date=25 August 2004 |access-date=27 September 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927200920/https://www.thetimes.com/article/heskey-gets-birmingham-heading-in-the-right-direction-0xcdkzfgngn}}</ref> He suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season [[Friendly (association football)|friendly]] against [[CA Osasuna]], which put his Premier League debut against [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] in doubt.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey boost for Birmingham |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3545342.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=10 August 2004 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627172645/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3545342.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was eventually able to play against Portsmouth on 14 August, and the match ended as a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite news |title=Portsmouth 1–1 Birmingham |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3553176.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2004 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130173905/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3553176.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His first goal came with a header in the eighth minute against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], which was enough to earn a 1–0 victory on 24 August.<ref>{{cite news |title=Birmingham 1–0 Man City |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3577054.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 August 2004 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628041429/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3577054.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of that season Birmingham finished 12th in mid-table. Heskey was named as the club's Player of the Season, Player's Player of the Season, finished as top goalscorer with 11 goals and won most [[man of the match]] awards.<ref name=espn/><ref name=BirminghamAwards>{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heskey-cleans-up-at-awards-11353 |title=Heskey cleans up at awards |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=12 May 2005 |access-date=24 December 2019 |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224155132/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heskey-cleans-up-at-awards-11353 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He suffered from an ankle injury against [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] on 19 April 2006,<ref>{{cite news |title=Birmingham hit by more injuries |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4926378.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=20 April 2006 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130170220/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4926378.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and after passing a late fitness test, played in a 0–0 draw against [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] on 22 April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 0–0 Birmingham |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4907030.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2006 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629084759/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4907030.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Birmingham's [[2005–06 Birmingham City F.C. season|2005–06 season]], during which Heskey scored only four goals in 34 league appearances, culminated in relegation to the [[EFL Championship|Championship]].<ref name=sb0506/> During this season, Heskey gave inconsistent performances and received abuse from Birmingham fans.<ref name=espn/> Birmingham managing director [[Karren Brady]] stated that Birmingham's relegation meant that the last £1.5&nbsp;million of the maximum £6.25&nbsp;million fee for signing Heskey from Liverpool would not be payable.<ref>{{cite news |title=Blues prepared for the worst – Brady |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-prepared-for-the-worst---brady-21380 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=6 April 2006 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233605/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-prepared-for-the-worst---brady-21380 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Wigan Athletic===
[[File:Emile Heskey 21-09-2008 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Heskey playing for Wigan Athletic in 2008]]

Heskey was signed by Premier League club [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] on 7 July 2006 for a £5.5&nbsp;million fee.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wigan seal £5.5m move for Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5158376.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=7 July 2006 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130165546/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5158376.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut against Newcastle United on 19 August 2006, which his new team lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |title=Newcastle 2–1 Wigan |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4786641.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=19 August 2006 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628095048/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4786641.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On his 500th league appearance, Heskey scored his first goal for Wigan in a 1–0 Premier League victory over [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on 26 August.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Bevan |title=Wigan 1–0 Reading |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/5266286.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2006 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628095046/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/5266286.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored 8 goals in 36 appearances in the [[2006–07 Wigan Athletic F.C. season|2006–07 season]],<ref name=Sky0708/> as Wigan avoided relegation on goal difference over [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], against whom Heskey played well on 13 May 2007, in a match he nearly scored a [[bicycle kick]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Sheff Utd 1–2 Wigan |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6627849.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2007 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=7 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607061944/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6627849.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Heskey suffered a suspected broken metatarsal in September 2007,<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey has suspected broken toe |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6996850.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 September 2007 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130164955/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6996850.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and made his return for Wigan in a 2–0 defeat to Arsenal in November.<ref name=sb0708/> He picked up an ankle injury during Wigan's 5–3 victory against Blackburn in December 2007.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey faces weeks out of action |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7146843.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2007 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629084801/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7146843.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 April 2008, Heskey scored a 90th minute equalising goal against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], which damaged their hopes of winning the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Chelsea 1–1 Wigan |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7332046.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 April 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=12 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012141707/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7332046.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He went on to score Wigan's equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur in the following match to give them a 1–1 draw,<ref>{{cite news |first=Aimee |last=Lewis |title=Wigan 1–1 Tottenham |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7344120.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=19 April 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628004231/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7344120.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> which proved to be his last goal of the [[2007–08 Wigan Athletic F.C. season|2007–08 season]], which he finished with 4 goals in 30 appearances.<ref name=sb0708/>

His first goal of the [[2008–09 Wigan Athletic F.C. season|2008–09 season]] came in Wigan's fourth match,<ref name=sb0809/> a 5–0 victory against [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]] at the [[KCOM Stadium|KC Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Barder |title=Hull 0–5 Wigan |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7578446.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=30 August 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130180258/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7578446.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He hinted in October 2008 that he would be interested in leaving Wigan to play in the Champions League,<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey eyes bright future |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11682/4345072/heskey-eyes-bright-future |website=Sky Sports |date=16 October 2008 |access-date=24 June 2017 |archive-date=24 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624145516/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11682/4345072/heskey-eyes-bright-future |url-status=live }}</ref> although Wigan manager [[Steve Bruce]] hoped to persuade him to sign a new contract at the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bruce hopes to keep Heskey |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/4347874/bruce-hopes-to-keep-heskey |website=Sky Sports |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=24 June 2017 |archive-date=24 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624145357/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/4347874/bruce-hopes-to-keep-heskey |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey commented on reports of interest from Liverpool by saying "It would be lovely. We'll see how it goes."<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey open to Liverpool return |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7676694.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627231640/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7676694.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his 100th goal in the Premier League against Portsmouth on 1 November 2008, which secured a 2–1 victory for Wigan.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=May |title=Portsmouth 1–2 Wigan |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7684754.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=1 November 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627025544/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7684754.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Dave Whelan]], the Wigan chairman, hinted that Heskey could be transferred by Wigan in January 2009, as a fee would be received, whereas he would move on for free in the summer, which came after he had stalled on talks over a new contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wigan hint at Heskey January exit |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7759399.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2008 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628231317/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7759399.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Bruce said he would only accept an offer for Heskey if it was "outrageous".<ref>{{cite news |first=Emily |last=Benammar |title=Wigan manager Steve Bruce puts £10 million price tag on Emile Heskey |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/wigan-athletic/3566259/Wigan-manager-Steve-Bruce-puts-10-million-prioce-tage-on-Emile-Heskey-Football.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=5 December 2008 |access-date=20 October 2008 |archive-date=14 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314175022/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/wigan-athletic/3566259/Wigan-manager-Steve-Bruce-puts-10-million-prioce-tage-on-Emile-Heskey-Football.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He later said he was confident of keeping Heskey at the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bruce confident of keeping Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7765576.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627035444/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7765576.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey picked up a hamstring injury during a match against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] in December 2008, which resulted in him missing an [[2008–09 FA Cup|FA Cup]] third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.<ref>{{cite news |title=Injury means Heskey may have played last match for Wigan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/30/emile-heskey-wigan-athletic |first=Sachin |last=Nakrani |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=30 December 2008 |access-date=22 February 2018 |archive-date=22 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225901/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/30/emile-heskey-wigan-athletic |url-status=live }}</ref> He later said he would stay at Wigan and see out his contract until the summer of 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey pledges to stay with Wigan |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7829372.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 January 2009 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130175437/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7829372.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Aston Villa===
[[File:Emile Heskey cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Heskey playing for [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in 2009]]

Heskey signed for [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] on 23 January 2009 for a £3.5&nbsp;million fee on a three-and-a-half-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Villa sign England striker Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7846748.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627160057/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7846748.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut four days later against Portsmouth and scored with a shot from 20&nbsp;yards, the first time he had scored on a club debut.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Portsmouth 0–1 Aston Villa |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7844589.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=27 January 2009 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628082630/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7844589.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored one more goal before the end of the season, with the opening goal in a 1–1 draw with [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]].<ref name=sb0809/> He finished the [[2008–09 Aston Villa F.C. season|2008–09 season]] with 14 appearances and 2 goals for Villa.<ref name=sb0809/>

He suffered from concussion after minutes into a Peace Cup pre-season friendly match against [[Málaga CF|Málaga]] in July 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aston Villa's Emile Heskey suffers concussion in pre-season friendly |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-emile-heskey-suffers-98767 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=25 July 2009 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=27 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027173415/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-emile-heskey-suffers-98767 |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey was reported to have said he was considering leaving Villa during the January 2010 transfer window, to help ensure he would be chosen for the England team at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Barry understands Heskey stance |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8301931.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 October 2009 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627230228/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8301931.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> to which manager Martin O'Neill responded by saying "There are players at this club with England ambitions. I wouldn't be overly concerned about all that yet."<ref>{{cite news |title=O'Neill unmoved on Heskey future |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8306867.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629084802/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8306867.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Heskey later denied he was seeking to leave Villa.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey denies Villa quit threat |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8309250.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626002427/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8309250.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neill told him to "build up a head of steam" in February 2010, saying he was concerned that Heskey's injuries were denying him from producing his best form.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mat |last=Kendrick |title=Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey is told to build up a head of steam |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-striker-emile-heskey-119453 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=20 February 2010 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233443/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-striker-emile-heskey-119453 |url-status=live }}</ref> He started for Villa in the [[2010 Football League Cup Final|2010 League Cup Final]], in which they lost 2–1 to Manchester United.<ref name=2010LC>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Aston Villa 1–2 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8531179.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=15 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615050025/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8531179.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey finished the [[2009–10 Aston Villa F.C. season|2009–10 season]] with 42 appearances and 5 goals.<ref name=sb0910/>

His first appearance of the [[2010–11 Aston Villa F.C. season|2010–11 season]] came after starting in a 1–1 draw at [[SK Rapid Wien|Rapid Vienna]] in the Europa League [[2010–11 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round#Play-off round|play-off first leg]].<ref name=sb1011/> Under Gérard Houllier, who previously managed Heskey at Liverpool, the striker enjoyed a successful start to the 2010–11 campaign including winning goals in the local derbies with [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] and [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].

On 7 May 2011, in Aston Villa's home match against Wigan, Heskey barged into referee [[Mike Jones (referee)|Mike Jones]] and continued to argue with him because he did not award a [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] for an alleged elbow by [[Antolín Alcaraz]]. Heskey received a yellow card for his behaviour and had to be restrained by teammates such as [[Brad Friedel]] and captain [[Stiliyan Petrov]]. He played for the remainder of the half, but had to be restrained again in the tunnel at the interval. Caretaker manager [[Gary McAllister]] chose to [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] him for [[Marc Albrighton]] at half-time, and Heskey was not allowed to remain at the stadium for the rest of the match. Despite his outburst, Heskey received no punishment from either Villa or [[The Football Association]]. Teammate [[Luke Young (footballer, born 1979)|Luke Young]] later said that Heskey was "lucky he didn't get sent off".<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey escapes punishment over referee barge and tunnel row |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/09/emile-heskey-referee-aston-villa |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 May 2011 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203054957/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/09/emile-heskey-referee-aston-villa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey 'lucky' not to see red |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/6922229/heskey-lucky-not-to-see-red |website=Sky Sports |date=8 May 2011 |access-date=24 June 2017 |archive-date=24 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624145137/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/6922229/heskey-lucky-not-to-see-red |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Sachin |last=Nakrani |title=Aston Villa's season of torment takes its toll on Emile Heskey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/09/aston-villa-wigan-athletic-premier-league |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 May 2011 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203050359/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/09/aston-villa-wigan-athletic-premier-league |url-status=live }}</ref>

Heskey remained with Villa for one more season, in which he scored just once, in an August 2011 win over Blackburn.<ref name=sb1112/> He was released in May 2012 after being told he would not be offered a new contract.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ged |last=Scott |title=Emile Heskey set to leave Aston Villa after no new deal is offered |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17985504 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2012 |access-date=24 December 2016 |archive-date=5 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105100315/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17985504 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Newcastle Jets===
[[File:Emile Heskey 13-10-2012 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Heskey playing for [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]] in 2012]]

Heskey signed for Australian [[A-League]] club [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]] on 21 September 2012 as their [[marquee player]] for the [[2012–13 Newcastle Jets FC season|2012–13 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Newcastle Jets sign Emile Heskey |work=Newcastle Jets FC 2014 |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Newcastle-Jets-sign-Emile-Heskey/49288 |publisher=Football Federation Australia |date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325230545/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Newcastle-Jets-sign-Emile-Heskey/49288 |archive-date=25 March 2014}}</ref> He made his debut in the Jets' 2–0 home defeat to [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]], in which he was substituted in the 72nd minute for [[James Virgili]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Liam |last=FitzGibbon |title=Travel-weary Adelaide spoil Heskey debut |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/travelweary-adelaide-spoil-heskey-debut-20121007-27727.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=7 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213084900/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/travelweary-adelaide-spoil-heskey-debut-20121007-27727.html |archive-date=13 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Adelaide spoil Heskey's debut |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/aleague/matchcentre/matchreport/Newcastle-Jets-FC-v-Adelaide-United-FC-Hyundai-A-League/2604 |publisher=Football Federation Australia |date=7 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327075804/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/aleague/matchcentre/matchreport/Newcastle-Jets-FC-v-Adelaide-United-FC-Hyundai-A-League/2604 |archive-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Heskey scored his first A-League goal in a 3–2 away win against [[Sydney FC]] on 13 October 2012.<ref name=Soccerway/> In five starts, Heskey put his goal tally up to five, with his goal against Sydney FC, followed by one goal against [[F3 Derby]] rivals the [[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast Mariners]], two goals against [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] on 26 October and one goal against the [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]], which took him to joint top scorer of the league. The match against Melbourne featured "Heskey Cam", which allowed the viewer to track Heskey's movements with one camera throughout the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey wows the Aussies with his starring role Down Under |url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/emile-heskey-wows-aussies-starring-role/story-17192277-detail/story.html |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |date=27 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230911/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/emile-heskey-wows-aussies-starring-role/story-17192277-detail/story.html |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Rice |title=Emile Heskey delights 'Heskeycam' viewers with stunning bicycle kick |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/emile-heskey-delights-heskeycam-viewers-with-stunning-bicycle-kick-8227263.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=25 October 2012 |access-date=15 February 2013 |archive-date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113024321/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/emile-heskey-delights-heskeycam-viewers-with-stunning-bicycle-kick-8227263.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Having finished 2012–13 with 9 goals in 23 appearances and earning a nomination for the Jets' Player of the Year award, Heskey signed a new contract for the [[2013–14 Newcastle Jets FC season|2013–14 season]] in April 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey signs new contract with Newcastle Jets |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/emile-heskey-signs-new-contract-with-newcastle-jets-8557891.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=3 April 2013 |access-date=2 August 2014 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050607/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/emile-heskey-signs-new-contract-with-newcastle-jets-8557891.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After scoring once in 19 appearances in the 2013–14 season,<ref name=Soccerway/> Heskey left the Jets to pursue a move to an English club.<ref>{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Mail |title=Leyton Orient linked with former Liverpool, England and Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey |url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/11343893.Orient_linked_with_move_for_former_Liverpool_striker_Emile_Heskey/ |newspaper=Epping Forest Guardian |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=2 August 2014 |archive-date=1 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801221805/http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/11343893.Orient_linked_with_move_for_former_Liverpool_striker_Emile_Heskey/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Bolton Wanderers===
After a successful trial Heskey signed for Championship club Bolton Wanderers on a short-term contract on 24 December 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey: Bolton Wanderers sign ex-England strike |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30596649 |website=BBC Sport |date=24 December 2014 |access-date=24 December 2016 |archive-date=22 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722162353/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30596649 |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut two days later as a half-time substitute for [[Robert Hall (footballer)|Robert Hall]] with Bolton 1–0 down at home to Blackburn, but after scoring the equalising goal in the 59th minute Bolton went on to win 2–1.<ref name=sb1415/> His goal was set up by another 36-year-old forward who the club had signed that month, [[Eiður Guðjohnsen]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Bolton Wanderers 2–1 Blackburn Rovers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30543443 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 December 2014 |access-date=24 December 2016 |archive-date=13 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213110155/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30543443 |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey was released by Bolton when his contract expired at the end of [[2015–16 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season|2015–16 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bolton Wanderers confirm player departures |url=https://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/2016/may/bolton-wanderers-confirm-player-departures/ |publisher=Bolton Wanderers F.C. |date=13 May 2016 |access-date=24 June 2017 |archive-date=23 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623155226/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/bolton-wanderers-confirm-player-departures-3112552.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> He subsequently retired from playing.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jason |last=Dasey |title=Liverpool icon Emile Heskey on love affair with Asia, life after retirement |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog/football-asia/153/post/3136652/liverpool-icon-emile-heskey-on-love-affair-with-asialife-after-retirement |publisher=ESPN |date=31 May 2017 |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=12 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212193728/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog/football-asia/153/post/3136652/liverpool-icon-emile-heskey-on-love-affair-with-asialife-after-retirement |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Post-playing career==
Heskey joined [[Cheshire Association Football League|Cheshire League One]] club [[Egerton F.C.|Egerton]] in 2017 as a coach, alongside [[Jlloyd Samuel]], [[Jim Cherneski]] and [[Dean Gorré]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/emile-heskey-interview-former-england-star-talks-about-racism-in-british-football-coaching-big-clubs-and-more-4251237.html |title=Emile Heskey interview: Former England star talks about racism in British football, coaching big clubs and more |first=Dilip |last=Unnikrishnan |website=Firstpost |publisher=Network18 Group |date=10 December 2017 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722203210/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/emile-heskey-interview-former-england-star-talks-about-racism-in-british-football-coaching-big-clubs-and-more-4251237.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2020 Heskey revealed that he was on a [[UEFA]] Management course and was looking to take up an internship with [[Leicester City W.F.C.|Leicester City's women's team]] as part of it.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQExxGUKCRw |title=Ep 1 Sport But Not As You Know It #1- Emile Heskey |first=Jessie A. |last=Phillips |website=YouTube |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=31 May 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807025905/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQExxGUKCRw |url-status=live}}</ref> In September, he was appointed to an ambassadorial and mentoring role with Leicester City Women as they worked towards professional status, and tasked with supporting the club's head of women's football, Russ Fraser, with developing the academy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54162962 |title=Emile Heskey: Ex-Leicester striker to help City Women development |website=BBC Sport |date=15 September 2020 |access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref> Fraser left a year later, and Heskey succeeded him as head of women's football development.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://herfootballhub.com/leicester-name-emile-heskey-as-head-of-womens-football-development/ |title=Leicester name Emile Heskey as Head of Women's Football Development |first=Hannah |last=Wellon |website=Her Football Hub |date=3 November 2021 |access-date=28 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101210610/https://herfootballhub.com/leicester-name-emile-heskey-as-head-of-womens-football-development/ |archive-date=1 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Leicester Women's manager, [[Jonathan Morgan (footballer)|Jonathan Morgan]], was sacked on 25 November 2021 after the team began the [[2021–22 FA WSL]] season with eight successive losses, and Heskey took over the role on an interim basis.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/emile-heskey-leicester-city-women-6258640 |title=Emile Heskey takes on new Leicester City role after departure |first=Mark |last=Whiley |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |date=25 November 2021 |access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref> Five days later, it was announced that [[Lydia Bedford]] would succeed Morgan as manager, but Heskey was allowed to prepare for the team's upcoming [[2021–22 FA Women's League Cup|League Cup]] tie against [[Manchester United W.F.C.|Manchester United]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lcfc.com/news/2380158/lcfc-women-appoint-lydia-bedford-as-first-team-manager|title=LCFC Women Appoint Lydia Bedford As First Team Manager|publisher=Leicester City F.C.|date=30 November 2021|access-date=8 October 2022}}</ref> His sole match in charge was won on penalties, following a 2–2 draw in regular time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lcfc.com/news/2395244/foxes-triumph-on-penalties-after-united-draw|title=Foxes Triumph On Penalties After United Draw
|publisher=Leicester City F.C.|date=5 December 2021|access-date=8 October 2022}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.lcfc.com/news/2397531/heskey-the-girls-have-been-fantastic|title=Heskey: The Girls Have Been Fantastic|publisher=Leicester City F.C.|date=6 December 2021|access-date=8 October 2022}}</ref>

On 18 August 2023, Heskey was appointed as a coach supporting the [[England national under-18 football team|England U18s]] ahead of the [[2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup]] as part of [[The Football Association]] and [[Professional Footballers' Association]]'s joint England Elite Coach Programme (EECP).<ref>{{cite web|date=18 August 2023|title=England men's development team coaches confirmed for 2023-24 season|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2023/Aug/18/england-mens-development-team-coach-roles-announced-for-2023-24-season-20231808|access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref>

==International career==
===Youth level===
Heskey gained his first international recognition with the [[England national under-16 football team|England national under-16 team]], making his debut on 26 April 1994 as a substitute in 1–0 win over [[Portugal national under-16 football team|Portugal]] in their opening match at the [[1994 UEFA European Under-16 Championship]].<ref name=Rothmans9495>{{cite book |editor-first=Jack |editor-last=Rollin |title=Rothmans Football Yearbook 1994–95 |year=1994 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7472-7857-3 |page=909}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Archive material: Evington Echo (Issues 101 to 110) |url=http://www.evingtonecho.co.uk/Archives/issues101-110.htm |newspaper=Evington Echo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305131947/http://www.evingtonecho.co.uk/Archives/issues101-110.htm |archive-date=5 March 2012}}</ref> His first start came two days later as England drew 1–1 with the [[Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team|Republic of Ireland]].<ref name=Rothmans9495/> All four of Heskey's under-16 caps came at this tournament, in which England were eliminated in the quarter-final by [[Ukraine national under-16 football team|Ukraine]], losing 7–6 on penalties after a 2–2 extra-time draw.<ref name=Rothmans9495/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/ec-u16-94.html |title=European U-16 Championship 1994 |first1=Erik |last1=Garin |first2=Julio Bovi |last2=Diogo |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=7 December 2003 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=18 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018171204/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/ec-u16-94.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Heskey made his debut for [[England national under-18 football team|under-18s]] on 16 November 1995 when starting against [[Latvia national under-18 football team|Latvia]] in [[1996 UEFA European Under-18 Championship qualifying|1996 UEFA European Under-18 Championship qualification]], scoring both goals in a 2–0 win in the second and 58th minutes.<ref name=11v11>{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/emile-heskey-271/ |title=Emile Heskey |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723034513/https://www.11v11.com/players/emile-heskey-271/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/england-v-latvia-16-november-1995-263475/ |title=England v Latvia, 16 November 1995 |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722233102/https://www.11v11.com/matches/england-v-latvia-16-november-1995-263475/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He played in all four matches for the team at the [[1996 UEFA European Under-18 Championship]], scoring in the 18th minute of the third-place match against Belgium as England won 3–2 after extra time.<ref name=11v11/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/england-v-belgium-31-july-1996-263453/ |title=England v Belgium, 31 July 1996 |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722233524/https://www.11v11.com/matches/england-v-belgium-31-july-1996-263453/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished his under-18 career with eight appearances and five goals.<ref name=11v11/>

Heskey went on to gain recognition with the [[England national under-21 football team|under-21]] team, making his debut after starting in a 0–0 draw with [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]] on 8 October 1996;<ref name="England's Under 21 Matches featuring Black Players">{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamBlack/PlyrsBlckMtchUsage/PlyrsBlackU21.html |title=England's under 21 matches featuring BME players |website=England Football Online |date=17 May 2006 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108120550/http://englandfootballonline.com/TeamBlack/PlyrsBlckMtchUsage/PlyrsBlackU21.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a year later on 30 May 1997, he scored against the same team in a 1–1 stalemate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-heskeys-first-england-goal-is-not-enough-1264413.html |title=Heskey's first England goal is not enough |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=31 May 1997 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722211320/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-heskeys-first-england-goal-is-not-enough-1264413.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Making his final appearance on 29 March 2000 in a 3–0 victory over [[FR Yugoslavia national under-21 football team|FR Yugoslavia]] in a [[2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification play-offs|2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification play-off]],<ref name="England's Under 21 Matches featuring Black Players"/> he finished his under-21 career with 17 [[cap (association football)|caps]], in which he scored six goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU21pg2.html |title=England's matches: The under 21's: 1990–2000 |website=England Football Online |date=26 April 2014 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=23 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723130428/http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU21pg2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was capped once by the [[England national football B team|England B team]], against Chile on 10 February 1998, scoring a 90th-minute goal in a 2–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng-b-intres-det.html |title=England – International results B-Team – Details |first=Barrie |last=Courtney |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=24 December 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032317/http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng-b-intres-det.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Senior level===
Heskey was given his first call-up to the senior [[England national football team|England]] team for a friendly against the [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]] on 18 November 1998, but did not play.<ref name="Emile Heskey Profile">{{cite web |url=http://englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/PlayersH/BioHeskeyEWI.html |title=Emile Heskey |website=England Football Online |date=30 May 2015 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722204510/http://englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/PlayersH/BioHeskeyEWI.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut in a friendly against [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] in [[Budapest]] in a 1–1 draw on 28 April 1999 and made his first start against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] on 23 February 2000.<ref name="Emile Heskey Profile"/> That showing ensured he was in the England squad for [[UEFA Euro 2000]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/england/squad/743767.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2000 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628095002/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/england/squad/743767.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, his two substitute performances in the tournament could not help England, as the team were eliminated in the group stage.<ref name="Emile Heskey Profile"/>

====2002 FIFA World Cup====
In September 2001, Heskey scored to "make it five" in England's 5–1 win away in Germany in a [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification|qualifying match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup]]. This was accompanied by his DJ [[goal celebration]], a celebration he popularised.<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey: Who'd have thought at 37 I'd be going back to Liverpool? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/23/emile-heskey-bolton-liverpool-fa-cup |access-date=9 October 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=10 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010095422/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/23/emile-heskey-bolton-liverpool-fa-cup |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey was selected in the squad for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] in South Korea and Japan,<ref>{{cite news |title=England squad in full |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_2231000/2231280.stm |website=Newsround |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=4 September 2002 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629132855/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_2231000/2231280.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and was used as a makeshift option to play in England's left-wing role in the match against [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]], but did not perform well out of his regular position.<ref name=England>{{cite news |title=England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/england/squad/newsid_1939000/1939017.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=9 June 2002 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627154658/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/england/squad/newsid_1939000/1939017.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] in England's 3–0 victory, which saw England reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.<ref name="England brush Danes aside"/> He featured in the match where England were beaten 2–1 by the eventual champions [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Brazil end England's dream |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/england_v_brazil/newsid_2049000/2049924.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2002 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130175520/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/england_v_brazil/newsid_2049000/2049924.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

====UEFA Euro 2004====
He and teammate [[Ashley Cole]] received abuse from some [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] supporters when England played them in a [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying|Euro 2004 qualifier]] in October 2002,<ref>{{cite news |title=Dyer out of England squad |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2325613.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 October 2002 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627165303/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2325613.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> which led to [[UEFA]] opening an investigation into the allegations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Uefa talks down Slovakia ban |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2326335.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 October 2002 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130181715/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2326335.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Slovakia were eventually forced to play their next home international [[Behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Uefa closes doors on Slovakia |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2654555.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 January 2003 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628114800/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2654555.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
Heskey's place in the England squad had been placed under scrutiny in 2003 with the emergence of [[Wayne Rooney]] into the England squad.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Rooney puts pressure on Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2903091.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=31 March 2003 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629062708/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2903091.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, despite being criticised for his lack of international goals,<ref>{{cite news |title=21 – Emile Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/2004/euro_2004_england_squad/newsid_3724000/3724813.stm |website=Newsround |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=18 May 2004 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629132858/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/2004/euro_2004_england_squad/newsid_3724000/3724813.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> he continued to be an integral part of the international squad and took over the [[Captain (association football)|captaincy]] from Michael Owen after he was substituted when England beat [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]] 2–1 in his hometown of Leicester in June 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas2000-10/2002-03/M0803Sbm2003.html |title=England 2 Serbia & Montenegro 1 [1–1] |website=England Football Online |date=20 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811044503/http://englandfootballonline.com/Seas2000-10/2002-03/M0803Sbm2003.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey was named in the England squad for [[UEFA Euro 2004]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Sven names squad for Euro 2004 |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_3721000/3721851.stm |website=Newsround |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=17 May 2004 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627032533/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_3721000/3721851.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> but failed to perform well, and was the subject of much criticism.<ref name=espn/> He came on as a substitute while England were leading 1–0 against [[France national football team|France]] and fouled [[Claude Makélélé]] on the edge of the penalty area, giving away a free kick from which France equalised. England eventually lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |title=France 2–1 England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3787491.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 June 2004 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040630072219/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3787491.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2006 FIFA World Cup qualification====
Heskey was recalled into the England squad for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification|2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers]] against [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] and [[Azerbaijan national football team|Azerbaijan]] in 2005, after having been dropped following the match against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] in August 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bruce ecstatic over Heskey recall |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/4368151.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2005 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628023645/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/4368151.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the emergence of [[Peter Crouch]] in the England squad, the possibility of a recall receded further.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gordon |last=Tynan |title=Heskey head and shoulders above Crouch, says Bruce |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/heskey-head-and-shoulders-above-crouch-says-bruce-519820.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=17 December 2005 |access-date=18 May 2011 |archive-date=11 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111094946/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/heskey-head-and-shoulders-above-crouch-says-bruce-519820.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====UEFA Euro 2008 qualification====
Heskey's international appearances under manager [[Steve McClaren]] were limited, although he was recalled to the England squad in September 2007 for the [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying|UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers]] as cover for the injured Rooney against [[Israel national football team|Israel]] and [[Russia national football team|Russia]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey recalled to England squad |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6974969.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=2 September 2007 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130165655/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6974969.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> on the recommendation of Michael Owen, after stating that he wanted to play alongside Heskey.<ref>{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Bring back Emile Heskey, Owen tells McClaren |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/2320403/Bring-back-Emile-Heskey-Owen-tells-McClaren.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=3 September 2007 |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-date=17 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317071641/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/2320403/Bring-back-Emile-Heskey-Owen-tells-McClaren.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He started the match against Israel and played an important role in the England attack, and by featuring he became the first England player to be capped for England whilst playing for Wigan Athletic.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=England 3–0 Israel |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6983518.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=8 September 2007 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=24 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724014013/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6983518.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey also started the next match against Russia, fighting off competition from Peter Crouch for a place in the team,<ref>{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Steve McClaren sticks with Emile Heskey |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/2320963/Steve-McClaren-sticks-with-Emile-Heskey.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 September 2007 |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-date=21 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021024540/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/2320963/Steve-McClaren-sticks-with-Emile-Heskey.html |url-status=live }}</ref> during which he created an [[Assist (association football)|assist]] for Owen's second goal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=England 3–0 Russia |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6988226.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 September 2007 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=9 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709042707/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6988226.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was widely praised for his performances in the two matches, with former England international [[Alan Shearer]] commenting, "Never in a million years did I expect to be discussing whether Emile Heskey should keep his place ahead of Wayne Rooney but the Wigan striker was outstanding over both matches."<ref>{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Hansen |title=BBC pundits on England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6992305.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 September 2007 |access-date=18 May 2011 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517073710/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6992305.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2010 FIFA World Cup qualification====
Heskey was called into manager [[Fabio Capello]]'s first squad against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Beckham left out of England squad |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7218296.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629132856/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7218296.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> but had to withdraw due to an injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wright-Phillips fit for England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7225317.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130174451/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7225317.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was called into the squad for a friendly against the Czech Republic in August 2008 and came on as a 46th-minute substitute, in a match that finished 2–2.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=England 2–2 Czech Rep |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7554604.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130173047/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7554604.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He featured in the following [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]] victories against [[Andorra national football team|Andorra]] and [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Bevan |title=Andorra 0–2 England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7593908.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628090838/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7593908.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |title=Croatia 1–4 England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7602774.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130175829/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7602774.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey was alleged to have been racially abused during the match against Croatia, with [[monkey chants]] being heard from sections of the Croatia support,<ref>{{cite news |first=Giles |last=Mole |title=Racial abuse aimed at Emile Heskey by Croatia fans reported to Fifa |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/2798090/Racial-abuse-aimed-at-Emile-Heskey-by-Croatia-fans-reported-to-Fifa-Football.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 September 2008 |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-date=30 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230185156/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/2798090/Racial-abuse-aimed-at-Emile-Heskey-by-Croatia-fans-reported-to-Fifa-Football.html |url-status=live }}</ref> after which [[FIFA]] opened an investigation,<ref>{{cite news |title=Fifa to probe Heskey racial abuse |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7609754.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2008 |access-date=18 May 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130163429/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7609754.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and eventually fined the [[Croatian Football Federation]] £15,000 for the incident.<ref>{{cite news |title=Croatia fined over Heskey abuse |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7635854.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=25 September 2008 |access-date=18 May 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130181020/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7635854.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

He played his 50th match for England in the 2010 World Cup qualifier against [[Belarus national football team|Belarus]] on 15 October 2008,<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Belarus 1–3 England |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7666668.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2008 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628114757/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7666668.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> after which he was credited as helping Wayne Rooney's improved form in international matches,<ref>{{cite news |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |title=Rooney's resurgence inspired by arrival of Berbatov, says Ferdinand |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/17/manchesterunited-englandfootballteam |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203035638/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/17/manchesterunited-englandfootballteam |url-status=live }}</ref> with the two forming an effective strike partnership and keeping Owen out of the team.<ref>{{cite news |first=Martin |last=Samuel |title=Fabio Capello strikes gold with bold choice of Emile Heskey over Michael Owen |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/fabio-capello-strikes-gold-with-bold-choice-of-emile-heskey-over-michael-owen-2jfdg0dlxmd |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=London |date=10 October 2008 |access-date=27 September 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927201331/https://www.thetimes.com/article/fabio-capello-strikes-gold-with-bold-choice-of-emile-heskey-over-michael-owen-2jfdg0dlxmd}}</ref> He started in a friendly against [[Spain men's national football team|Spain]] in February 2009, which drew an angry reaction by Villa manager Martin O'Neill, who wanted to know why Capello played Heskey after suffering from an injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=O'Neill angry over Heskey start |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7889403.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 February 2009 |access-date=11 July 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629062706/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7889403.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey scored his first goal for England in six years against Slovakia, scoring England's first in a 4–0 victory at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name="England 4–0 Slovakia"/> He picked up a hamstring injury during this match, which forced him into withdrawing from the squad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Heskey pulls out of England squad |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7965142.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=29 March 2009 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=16 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916163044/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7965142.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored in a 4–0 victory over Kazakhstan in a 2010 World Cup qualifier in June 2009, which was his first competitive goal for England in seven years.<ref name="Kazakhstan 0–4 England"/>

====2010 FIFA World Cup====
Heskey was named in England's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2010 World Cup on 11 May 2010 and was eventually chosen for the final 23-man squad on 1 June.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fabio Capello makes surprise England World Cup choices |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8673706.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2010 |access-date=11 May 2010 |archive-date=16 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916163132/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8673706.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=World Cup 2010: Theo Walcott left out of England squad |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8713742.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=1 June 2010 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626021051/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8713742.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Heskey injured England captain [[Rio Ferdinand]] during a training session on 4 June, which ruled Ferdinand out of the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rio Ferdinand out of England World Cup squad |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8722236.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=4 June 2010 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130164554/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8722236.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He started in England's opening match, a 1–1 draw with the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] and assisted [[Steven Gerrard]]'s goal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Capello's big calls backfire |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2010/06/capellos_big_calls_backfire.html |website=BBC Sport |date=13 June 2010 |access-date=13 June 2010 |archive-date=15 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615042935/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2010/06/capellos_big_calls_backfire.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Heskey retired from international football on 15 July 2010, at the age of 32, having scored 7 goals in 62 appearances for England.<ref>{{cite news |title=Striker Heskey retires from international football |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8825280.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629133809/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8825280.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Style of play==
[[File:Emile Heskey - 53690807849.jpg|thumb|271x271px|Heskey playing a friendly match in [[Brunei]], 2024]]
Heskey played as a [[Striker (association football)|striker]], being a mobile yet powerful [[Centre-forward|targetman]], gifted with pace, physical strength, and an ability to utilise his height to win aerial challenges; he was also an intelligent and hard working player,<ref name=England/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10429~5827,00.html |title=1st team: Emile Heskey |publisher=Wigan Athletic F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220105353/http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10429~5827%2C00.html |archive-date=20 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/3443191/The-Debate-Is-Darren-Bent-the-man-to-replace-Emile-Heskey-when-England-play-Germany-next-week-Football.html |title=The debate: Is Darren Bent the man to replace Emile Heskey for England? |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Duncan |last=White |location=London |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-date=25 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025203231/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/3443191/The-Debate-Is-Darren-Bent-the-man-to-replace-Emile-Heskey-when-England-play-Germany-next-week-Football.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7673950.stm |title=Selfless Heskey makes England tick |website=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2008 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628065155/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7673950.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/47407.html |title=Houllier heaps praise on striker Heskey |publisher=ESPN |date=26 September 2010 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628125042/http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/47407.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/5022136/Aston-Villa-need-to-leave-out-Emile-Heskey-against-Liverpool.html |title=Aston Villa need to leave out Emile Heskey against Liverpool |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |last1=Robson |first1=Stewart |date=21 March 2009 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629082516/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/5022136/Aston-Villa-need-to-leave-out-Emile-Heskey-against-Liverpool.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/liverpool-1-0-tottenham |title=Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham |website=The World Game |date=23 April 2014 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626133531/https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/liverpool-1-0-tottenham |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="simple but effective">{{cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/heskey-and-owen-show-proves-simple-but-effective-28063264.html |title=Heskey and Owen show proves simple but effective |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |last1=Burt |first1=Jason |date=4 July 2008 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627060753/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/heskey-and-owen-show-proves-simple-but-effective-28063264.html |url-status=live }}</ref> known for his movement and athleticism.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/6340253/Peter-Crouch-wants-to-be-on-the-England-A-list-for-World-Cup-in-South-Africa.html |title=Peter Crouch wants to be on the England A-list for World Cup in South Africa |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |last1=Wilson |first1=Jeremy |date=16 October 2009 |access-date=25 May 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628104032/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/6340253/Peter-Crouch-wants-to-be-on-the-England-A-list-for-World-Cup-in-South-Africa.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His play was likened to "a blunt instrument with which to bludgeon defences".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/jun/05/emile-heskey-england-kazakhstan-wayne-rooney |title=The oof-factor behind Emile Heskey's Indian summer |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Paul |last=Wilson |location=London |date=5 June 2009 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225254/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/jun/05/emile-heskey-england-kazakhstan-wayne-rooney |url-status=live }}</ref> His main contributions to the team lay in the way he held the ball up with his back to goal and drew [[Defender (association football)|defenders]] out, leaving space behind him for another player to score.<ref name=England/> He was credited as being an unselfish player who would link-up well with other players and create space or chances for teammates, allowing other forwards to benefit.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/10/18/sports/full-steam-ahead-for-england-as-capello-pushes-all-the-right-buttons/ |title=Full steam ahead for England as Capello pushes all the right buttons |newspaper=The Japan Times |first=Christopher |last=Davies |location=Tokyo |date=18 October 2008 |access-date=28 September 2017 |archive-date=28 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928174714/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/10/18/sports/full-steam-ahead-for-england-as-capello-pushes-all-the-right-buttons/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/emile-heskey-interview-michael-owen-liverpool-england-the-art-of-football-a9234096.html |title=The art of a target man: Emile Heskey on his relationship with 'brilliant' Michael Owen and linking play |newspaper=The Independent |last1=Baldi |first1=Ryan |date=5 December 2019 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605175347/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/emile-heskey-interview-michael-owen-liverpool-england-the-art-of-football-a9234096.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/liverpool-vs-bolton-emile-heskey-has-reds-in-sights-after-his-surprise-return-9999549.html |title=Liverpool vs Bolton: Emile Heskey has Reds in sights after his surprise return |newspaper=The Independent |last1=Herbert |first1=Ian |date=23 January 2015 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605175400/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/liverpool-vs-bolton-emile-heskey-has-reds-in-sights-after-his-surprise-return-9999549.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was not a prolific goalscorer, or particularly graceful or skilful from a technical standpoint, but was able to provide a significant number of assists when deployed as a [[second striker]] in an attacking partnership alongside another striker.<ref name="simple but effective"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/ben-jacobs-column-emile-make-return-journey-beloved-leicester-city/story-12029938-detail/story.html |title=The Ben Jacobs column: Will Emile make return journey to his beloved Leicester City? |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |first=Ben |last=Jacobs |date=2 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225253/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/ben-jacobs-column-emile-make-return-journey-beloved-leicester-city/story-12029938-detail/story.html |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/410128-soccer-an-englishmans-view |title=Soccer, an Englishman's View |website=Bleacher Report |last1=Davies |first1=Nick |date=23 June 2010 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605175228/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/410128-soccer-an-englishmans-view |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1033787-world-football-20-most-awkward-soccer-players-in-the-world |title=World Football: 20 Most Awkward Soccer Players in the World |website=Bleacher Report |last1=Turner |first1=Mikhail |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605175226/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1033787-world-football-20-most-awkward-soccer-players-in-the-world |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="goals and guts">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/29/sport.england |title=Heskey has it all - apart from goals and guts |newspaper=The Guardian |last1=Williams |first1=Richard |date=28 March 2003 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605175418/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/29/sport.england |url-status=live }}</ref> He was quoted as saying "[[Forward (association football)|Forwards]] are judged on their goalscoring but I like to think I bring a lot more to the game and I do get pleasure from assisting".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/27430.html |title=Heskey reveals Ferdinand injury regret |publisher=ESPN |date=10 June 2010 |access-date=22 February 2018 |archive-date=23 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050512/http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/27430.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He impressed the England staff with his versatility, as he could also play down the [[Left winger|left wing]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A170774331/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=5b436820 |title=Heskey relishes second chance |newspaper=The Independent on Sunday |first=Nick |last=Townsend |location=London |date=9 July 2007 |access-date=12 August 2021 |via=Gale OneFile: News |url-access=subscription |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107082049/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=STND&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA170774331&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-STND&asid=5b436820 |url-status=live }}</ref> in addition to his usual role as an out–and–out striker;<ref name="goals and guts"/> he also drew praise from managers and teammates over his selfless team-play.<ref name="goals and guts"/> However, he was criticised by the media for his lack of goals and perceived poor mentality;<ref name="goals and guts"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/time-for-bruno-heskey-to-punch-his-weight-139837.html |title=Time for 'Bruno' Heskey to punch his weight |newspaper=The Independent |first=Glenn |last=Moore |location=London |date=11 October 2002 |access-date=7 January 2018 |archive-date=7 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107234754/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/time-for-bruno-heskey-to-punch-his-weight-139837.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=21. Emile Heskey |url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/players_to_watch/3745461.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2004 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628201234/http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/players_to_watch/3745461.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> lapses in his goalscoring were described as being "hardly uncommon".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-heskeys-striking-lack-of-goals-is-a-worry-1129548.html |title=Heskey's striking lack of goals is a worry |newspaper=The Independent |first=Jon |last=Culley |location=London |date=29 November 1999 |access-date=26 July 2009 |archive-date=14 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214191820/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-heskeys-striking-lack-of-goals-is-a-worry-1129548.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was stated in 2008 that "It is only the perception of his talents that changes" after Heskey stated he was no better or worse than before.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/emile-heskey-back-in-fashion-x8h6gpwdxcn |title=Emile Heskey: Back in fashion |newspaper=The Sunday Times |first=Joe |last=Lovejoy |location=London |date=21 September 2008 |access-date=27 September 2024 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927201817/https://www.thetimes.com/article/emile-heskey-back-in-fashion-x8h6gpwdxcn}}</ref> Although primarily a forward, he was also used in a more withdrawn role on occasion during his time with Aston Villa, functioning as an [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]], whose role was to link-up the midfield with the attack, or even as a [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central midfielder]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/aug/28/aston-villa-james-collins-houllier |title=Aston Villa's James Collins admits to personality clash with Houllier |newspaper=The Guardian |last1=James |first1=Stuart |date=28 August 2011 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605175420/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/aug/28/aston-villa-james-collins-houllier |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2515871,00.html |title=Heskey comfortable being the centre of attention in midfield |publisher=Aston Villa F.C. |last1=Brown |first1=Paul |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116155733/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2515871,00.html |archive-date=16 November 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Heskey was the partner of Kylee Pinsent but left her in 2004<ref>{{cite news |title=Fiancee of Premier League star Emile Heskey held at knifepoint in her own home during daring daylight robbery |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/fiancee-of-premier-league-star-emile-heskey-held-at-knifepoint-in-her-own-home-during-daring-6890410.html |newspaper=Evening Standard |location=London |date=23 July 2008 |access-date=10 November 2015 |archive-date=10 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110172729/http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/fiancee-of-premier-league-star-emile-heskey-held-at-knifepoint-in-her-own-home-during-daring-6890410.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and married Chantelle (née Tagoe) in May 2014 at [[Rookery Hall]], Cheshire.<ref>{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Guy |title=Ex-Liverpool FC star Emile Heskey marries Chantelle Tagoe in lavish ceremony at Rookery Hall |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/ex-liverpool-fc-star-emile-heskey-7172902 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |date=26 May 2014 |access-date=24 December 2016 |archive-date=25 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225043237/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/ex-liverpool-fc-star-emile-heskey-7172902 |url-status=live }}</ref> He started seeing Tagoe secretly in 2002, who worked part-time as a waitress at a lap-dancing bar in [[Liverpool]], while still in a relationship with Pinsent.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Chris |last1=Tate |first2=Simon |last2=Lennon |title=Heskey has a partner and two kids but Chantelle is besotted ..she talks about him all the time |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-99673163.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104160913/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-99673163.html |archive-date=4 November 2012 |newspaper=The People |location=London |date=6 April 2003 |access-date=24 December 2016 |via=Highbeam Research}}</ref> Following the revelation of his two-year affair with Tagoe, Pinsent broke up with Heskey. He is the father of six children, three of them with former partner Pinsent and three with Tagoe.<ref>{{cite tweet |first=Chantelle |last=Heskey |user=ChantelleHeskey |number=574233355086135298 |date=7 March 2015 |title=Our little angel Milanna Heskey born 06.03.2015 at 7.20am and weighing 8lb 5oz 💗 she is absolutely... https://instagram.com/p/z7o9iyti60/ |access-date=22 February 2018}}</ref> His fiancée Tagoe was held at knifepoint at their home in [[Hale, Greater Manchester|Hale]], Greater Manchester in July 2008, while he was at a training session.<ref name="Heskey's wife held at knifepoint">{{cite news |title=Heskey's wife held at knifepoint |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/heskeys-wife-held-at-knifepoint-875265.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=23 July 2008 |access-date=11 October 2008 |archive-date=12 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212162838/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/heskeys-wife-held-at-knifepoint-875265.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The thieves burgled the house and stole Heskey's car but neither Tagoe, nor their two (at the time) children who were in the house, were hurt.<ref name="Heskey's wife held at knifepoint"/> Following this, he said Tagoe was "very, very distressed" by the incident.<ref>{{cite news |title=Emile Heskey's fiancee threatened by armed burglars |url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/emile-heskeys-fiancee-threatened-armed-5508674 |newspaper=Liverpool Daily Post |date=23 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203032958/http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/emile-heskeys-fiancee-threatened-armed-5508674 |archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> In 2009, he was rated as owning a personal fortune of £12&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite journal |date=February 2009 |title=Balls to the Crunch |journal=FourFourTwo |page=50}}</ref> Heskey and other members of the England team supported the Shoe Aid for Africa campaign in 2009, which was aimed at helping underprivileged children in Africa.<ref>{{cite news |first=Tony |last=Collins |title=Aston Villa star Emile Heskey donates football boots to help African children |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/aston-villa-star-emile-heskey-103827 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225647/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/aston-villa-star-emile-heskey-103827 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Heskey's sons [[Jaden Heskey|Jaden]] and [[Reigan Heskey|Reigan]] are youth team players for [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/called-up-school-emiles-advice-28063016 |title=Called-up from school and Emile's advice - Inside Jaden and Reigan Heskey's 'surreal' Man City U19s debut together |website=manchestereveningnews.co.uk |date=2023-11-08 |access-date=2023-12-12}}</ref> On 24 September 2025, Jaden and Reigan both made their professional debuts as substitutes against [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] in the [[EFL Cup]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/46373258/emile-heskey-sons-reigan-jaden-make-man-city-debuts | title=Emile Heskey's sons, Reigan and Jaden, make Man City debuts | date=25 September 2025 }}</ref>

In June 2024, Heskey was ordered to pay a bill for legal fees of almost £200k following a seven-year dispute with [[HMRC]] over an unpaid tax bill.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/uk-world-news/ex-england-footballer-facing-200000-9323564| title=Ex-England footballer facing £200,000 court bill after legal battle| date=4 June 2024|publisher=Nottinghamshire Live}}</ref>

Heskey is the second uncle of Spanish footballer [[Mateo Joseph]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/meet-mateo-joseph-fernandez-leeds-uniteds-latest-signing-is-related-to-emile-heskey-and-wanted-by-barcelona-xsrhdn9nr|title=Meet Mateo Joseph Fernández: Leeds United's latest signing is related to Emile Heskey and wanted by Barcelona|website=The Times|date=11 January 2022|access-date=11 November 2025}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
[[File:Heskey BWFC 2015.jpg|thumb|upright|Heskey playing for [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] in 2015]]

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=3|League
!colspan=2|[[FA Cup]]
!colspan=2|[[EFL Cup|League Cup]]
!colspan=2|Europe
!colspan=2|Other
!colspan=2|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan=7|[[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
|[[1994–95 Leicester City F.C. season|1994–95]]<ref name=Rothmans9596>{{cite book |editor-first=Jack |editor-last=Rollin |title=Rothmans Football Yearbook 1995–96 |year=1995 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7472-7823-8 |pages=200–201, 583–586, 613–617}}</ref>
|[[Premier League]]
|1||0||0||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1||0
|-
|[[1995–96 Leicester City F.C. season|1995–96]]<ref name=Rothmans9697>{{cite book |editor-first=Glenda |editor-last=Rollin |title=Rothmans Football Yearbook 1996–97 |year=1996 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7472-7781-1 |pages=200–201, 544–545, 577–581, 602–603}}</ref>
|[[Football League First Division|First Division]]
|30||7||0||0||2||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|Appearances in [[Football League First Division play-offs|First Division play-offs]]}}||0||35||7
|-
|[[1996–97 Leicester City F.C. season|1996–97]]<ref name=sb9697>{{soccerbase season|3453|1996|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|35||10||3||0||9||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||47||12
|-
|[[1997–98 Leicester City F.C. season|1997–98]]<ref name=sb9798>{{soccerbase season|3453|1997|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|35||10||2||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]}}||0||colspan=2|—||39||10
|-
|[[1998–99 Leicester City F.C. season|1998–99]]<ref name=sb9899>{{soccerbase season|3453|1998|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|30||6||2||0||8||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||40||9
|-
|[[1999–2000 Leicester City F.C. season|1999–2000]]<ref name=sb9900/>
|Premier League
|23||7||4||0||8||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||35||8
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!154||40||11||0||27||6||2||0||3||0||197||46
|-
|rowspan=6|[[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
|[[1999–2000 Liverpool F.C. season|1999–2000]]<ref name=sb9900>{{soccerbase season|3453|1999|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|12||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||12||3
|-
|[[2000–01 Liverpool F.C. season|2000–01]]<ref name=sb0001>{{soccerbase season|3453|2000|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|36||14||5||5||4||0||11{{efn|name=UC}}||3||colspan=2|—||56||22
|-
|[[2001–02 Liverpool F.C. season|2001–02]]<ref name=sb0102>{{soccerbase season|3453|2001|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|35||9||2||0||1||0||17{{efn|Sixteen appearances and four goals in [[UEFA Champions League]], one appearance and one goal in [[UEFA Super Cup]]}}||5||1{{efn|name=CS|Appearance in [[FA Community Shield|FA Charity Shield]]}}||0||56||14
|-
|[[2002–03 Liverpool F.C. season|2002–03]]<ref name=sb0203>{{soccerbase season|3453|2002|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|32||6||3||0||5||0||11{{efn|Six appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, five appearances and one goal in UEFA Cup}}||3||1{{efn|name=CS}}||0||52||9
|-
|[[2003–04 Liverpool F.C. season|2003–04]]<ref name=sb0304>{{soccerbase season|3453|2003|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|35||7||4||1||2||2||6{{efn|name=UC}}||2||colspan=2|—||47||12
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!150||39||14||6||12||2||45||13||2||0||223||60
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]
|[[2004–05 Birmingham City F.C. season|2004–05]]<ref name=sb0405>{{soccerbase season|3453|2004|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|34||10||2||1||2||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||38||11
|-
|[[2005–06 Birmingham City F.C. season|2005–06]]<ref name=sb0506>{{soccerbase season|3453|2005|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|34||4||3||0||3||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||40||5
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!68||14||5||1||5||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||78||16
|-
|rowspan=4|[[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]
|[[2006–07 Wigan Athletic F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref name=Sky0708>{{cite book |editor1-first=Glenda |editor1-last=Rollin |editor2-first=Jack |editor2-last=Rollin |title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2007–2008 |year=2007 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7553-1664-9 |pages=410–411, 601, 621}}</ref>
|Premier League
|34||8||1||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||36||8
|-
|[[2007–08 Wigan Athletic F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name=sb0708>{{soccerbase season|3453|2007|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|28||4||2||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||30||4
|-
|[[2008–09 Wigan Athletic F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809/>
|Premier League
|20||3||0||0||2||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||22||3
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!82||15||3||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||88||15
|-
|rowspan=5|[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
|[[2008–09 Aston Villa F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809>{{soccerbase season|3453|2008|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|14||2||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||colspan=2|—||14||2
|-
|[[2009–10 Aston Villa F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref name=sb0910>{{soccerbase season|3453|2009|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|31||3||4||0||5||2||2{{efn|name=UL|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||0||colspan=2|—||42||5
|-
|[[2010–11 Aston Villa F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref name=sb1011>{{soccerbase season|3453|2010|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|19||3||2||0||2||2||2{{efn|name=UL}}||1||colspan=2|—||25||6
|-
|[[2011–12 Aston Villa F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref name=sb1112>{{soccerbase season|3453|2011|access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>
|Premier League
|28||1||1||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||29||1
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!92||9||7||0||7||4||4||1||colspan=2|—||110||14
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]]
|[[2012–13 Newcastle Jets FC season|2012–13]]<ref name=Soccerway>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/emile-heskey/2678/ |title=E. Heskey: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722203827/https://uk.soccerway.com/players/emile-heskey/2678/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[A-League]]
|23||9||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||23||9
|-
|[[2013–14 Newcastle Jets FC season|2013–14]]<ref name=Soccerway/>
|A-League
|19||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||19||1
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!42||10||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||42||10
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]
|[[2014–15 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name=sb1415>{{soccerbase season|3453|2014|access-date=11 May 2015}}</ref>
|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
|16||1||2||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||18||1
|-
|[[2015–16 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref name=sb1516>{{soccerbase season|3453|2015|access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref>
|Championship
|29||2||0||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||30||2
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!45||3||2||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||48||3
|-
!colspan=3|Career total
!633||130||42||7||55||13||51||14||5||0||786||164
|}

{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|2147|name=Heskey, Emile|access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan=10|[[England national football team|England]]
|1999||4||0
|-
|2000||7||1
|-
|2001||9||2
|-
|2002||11||1
|-
|2003||7||1
|-
|2004||5||0
|-
|2007||2||0
|-
|2008||5||0
|-
|2009||7||2
|-
|2010||5||0
|-
!colspan=2|Total||62||7
|}

:''England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Heskey goal.''<ref>{{Englandstats|ref=y|author=y|access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-date=4 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704151236/http://englandstats.com/players.php?pid=472 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Emile Heskey
|-
!scope=col|No.
!scope=col|Date
!scope=col|Venue
!scope=col|Cap
!scope=col|Opponent
!scope=col|Score
!scope=col|Result
!scope=col|Competition
!scope=col class=unsortable|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|align=center|1||3 June 2000||[[National Stadium, Ta' Qali|National Stadium]], Ta' Qali, Malta||align=center|7||{{fb|Malta}}||align=center|2–1||align=center|2–1||[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]||<ref>{{cite news |title=Close shave for shaky England |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/england/775891.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=4 June 2000 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221105152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/england/775891.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|align=center|2||28 February 2001||[[Villa Park]], Birmingham, England||align=center|12||{{fb|Spain}}||align=center|2–0||align=center|3–0||Friendly||<ref>{{cite news |title=Sven's England off to winning start |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1190940.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=28 February 2001 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=1 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801030940/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1190940.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|align=center|3||1 September 2001||[[Olympiastadion (Munich)|Olympiastadion]], Munich, Germany||align=center|17||{{fb|Germany}}||align=center|5–1||align=center|[[2001 Germany v England football match|5–1]]||[[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification]]||<ref>{{cite news |title=Awesome England thrash Germany |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1515667.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2001 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305181956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1515667.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|align=center|4||15 June 2002||[[Niigata Stadium]], Niigata, Japan||align=center|28||{{fb|Denmark}}||align=center|3–0||align=center|3–0||[[2002 FIFA World Cup]]||<ref name="England brush Danes aside">{{cite news |title=England brush Danes aside |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/denmark_v_england/default.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=15 June 2002 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305040539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/denmark_v_england/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|align=center|5||22 May 2003||[[Kings Park Stadium]], Durban, South Africa||align=center|33||{{fb|South Africa}}||align=center|2–1||align=center|2–1||Friendly||<ref>{{cite news |title=Beckham injury mars England win |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3047631.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2003 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=30 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830063445/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3047631.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|align=center|6||28 March 2009||[[Wembley Stadium]], London, England||align=center|52||{{fb|Slovakia}}||align=center|1–0||align=center|4–0||Friendly||<ref name="England 4–0 Slovakia">{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=England 4–0 Slovakia |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7967094.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=28 March 2009 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=31 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331125607/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7967094.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|align=center|7||6 June 2009||[[Almaty Central Stadium]], Almaty, Kazakhstan||align=center|53||{{fb|Kazakhstan}}||align=center|2–0||align=center|4–0||[[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]||<ref name="Kazakhstan 0–4 England">{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Kazakhstan 0–4 England |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8077218.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=6 June 2009 |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910221855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8077218.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

==Honours==
'''Leicester City'''
*[[Football League Cup]]: [[1996–97 Football League Cup|1996–97]],<ref name=1997LC/> [[1999–2000 Football League Cup|1999–2000]];<ref name=2000LC/> runner-up: [[1998–99 Football League Cup|1998–99]]<ref name=1999LC/>
*[[Football League First Division play-offs]]: [[1996 Football League play-offs#First Division|1996]]<ref name=1996POF/>

'''Liverpool'''
*[[FA Cup]]: [[2000–01 FA Cup|2000–01]]<ref name=2001FAC/>
*Football League Cup: [[2000–01 Football League Cup|2000–01]],<ref name=2001LC/> [[2002–03 Football League Cup|2002–03]]<ref name=2003LC/>
*[[FA Charity Shield]]: [[2001 FA Charity Shield|2001]]<ref name=2001FACS/>
*[[UEFA Cup]]: [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|2000–01]]<ref name=2001UC/>
*[[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2001 UEFA Super Cup|2001]]<ref name=2001USC/>

'''Aston Villa'''
*Football League Cup runner-up: [[2009–10 Football League Cup|2009–10]]<ref name=2010LC/>

'''Individual'''
*[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] Player of the Season: [[2004–05 Birmingham City F.C. season|2004–05]]<ref name=BirminghamAwards/>
*Birmingham City Players' Player of the Season: 2004–05<ref name=BirminghamAwards/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www.liverpoolfc.com/info/emile-heskey Profile] at the Liverpool F.C. website
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}
* {{Englandstats}}

{{Navboxes
| title = England squads
| bg = white
| fg = #CF081F
| bordercolor = #0B0B3F
| list1 = 
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{England squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{England squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Birmingham City F.C. Player of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heskey, Emile}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Leicester]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:England men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:England men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:England men's B international footballers]]
[[Category:England men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Leicester City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Liverpool F.C. players]]
[[Category:Birmingham City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players]]
[[Category:Aston Villa F.C. players]]
[[Category:Newcastle Jets FC players]]
[[Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:A-League Men players]]
[[Category:Marquee players (A-League Men)]]
[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:English football managers]]
[[Category:English expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Australia]]
[[Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Australia]]
[[Category:English football coaches]]
[[Category:Black British sportsmen]]
[[Category:English people of Antigua and Barbuda descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Antigua and Barbuda descent]]
[[Category:Leicester City W.F.C. managers]]