Tragedy ... Sex ... and Alan Shearer!

As for Toon legend Alan Shearer ... he has challenged Wigan striker Emile Heskey to finally fulfil his potential at international level.

 
Heskey has again been called up to the England squad for the vital Euro 2008 qualifying game against Russia. After a three year absence from the national side he played his part in a 3-0 win over Israel on Saturday, but failed to score.

The 29-year-old has amassed 44 caps but only five international goals, and Shearer says the Wigan striker must find the net more often and prove he has what it takes at the highest level.

Shearer says Heskey is a "frustrating" player, but does believe the Wigan man has the ability to perfectly compliment Michael Owen up-front.

Shearer: "Emile is such a frustrating player.

"He has a great build, is good in the air and can bully defenders. Yet too many times I have seen defenders bully him.

"He should be the perfect foil for a player like Michael Owen. I know he can do it and so does he.

"Which makes it all the more confusing as to why he disappears in so many games.

"He should be at the heart of everything, causing trouble and opening things up for others. He can be such a difficult player to play against.

"Then, other times, you just want to scream at him 'come on, get angry, let's do it'.

"Like many England players, Emile's best night will have come in 2001 when we beat Germany 5-1.

"That should have just been the start. He showed then how well he can combine with Michael Owen."