Emile Heskey is expected to retain his place up front for England in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia on Wednesday.

The Wigan striker performed well alongside former Liverpool teammate Michael Owen in the 3-0 win over Israel on Saturday.

However, his place is under threat from Peter Crouch, who is available again after serving a one-match suspension.

It now appears as if Steve McClaren has decided to stick with the same side that beat the Israelis, meaning Heskey will continue his partnership with Owen.

"I saw evidence of Heskey holding the ball up very, very well on Saturday and bringing players into the game,'' said McClaren. "We had an outlet.''

Heskey has only managed five goals in his 44 international appearances, but it is his strength on the ball and more importantly his understanding with Owen that put him ahead of Crouch.

The decision between Heskey and Crouch was the only serious call that McClaren will have to make for the game, after both Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard were ruled out with thigh injuries.

That means Gareth Barry will continue in centre midfield alongside Steven Gerrard.

One slight concern for England is that they are likely to start with three players on yellow cards, meaning that one more booking for John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole will mean a suspension for the next game against Estonia in October.