Capello's

Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, called Capello's stance "bizarre and disappointing".

Fabio Capello increasingly isolated in row with FA over John Terry 2012

United defender is ready to revert to role as Capello's captain, forcing Steven Gerrard to drop back to deputy for the time being

Returning Rio Ferdinand ready to answer England captaincy question Kevin McCarra 2010

Nonetheless, Capello's interest in Heskey may well have shown him wondering how he can get the best of a Manchester United player who has been in subdued form after reports about his private life.

Kevin Davies gets surprise England call-up for Montenegro game Kevin McCarra 2010

The speculation had been that Newcastle United's Andy Carroll might be included in Capello's party to carry out the sort of duties that will now be assigned to Davies.

Kevin Davies gets surprise England call-up for Montenegro game Kevin McCarra 2010

The senior side are no more technically proficient, hence Fabio Capello's reliance on Emile Heskey and in his absence now, Davies.

Prime minister to back 2018 World Cup bid in talks with Sepp Blatter Matt Scott 2010

Stuart Pearce is the head coach of the Under-21 side, and the FA may put an Englishman among Capello's personnel.

Steve McClaren may be in frame for England after Capello steps down Kevin McCarra 2010

Wilshere is in Fabio Capello's England squad for Tuesday's game against Montenegro.

Why we must savour the rare English delicacy that is Jack Wilshere Barney Ronay 2010

Heskey shows sure timing Houllier's arrival at Villa Park, has turned down an overture from Fabio Capello – or rather, as is now traditional, from Capello's assistant Franco Baldini – to change his mind about his retirement from the international game, which means he will not be returning to help out a depleted England squad at next week's Euro 2012 qualifying match against Montenegro.

Football has a duty to disarm its human missiles Richard Williams 2010

It is doubtful that Emile Heskey's decision to spurn Fabio Capello's invitation to come out of international retirement for England's game against Montenegro was couched in similar terms, but the call-up of Kevin Davies, at 33 a year older than the rejuvenated Aston Villa forward, has had the same outcome.

Kevin Davies's England reward is deserved – but it could be short-lived Rob Bagchi 2010

Not only because Fabio Capello's options are limited due to the unavailability of Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott, but because his form for Sunderland this season suggests he deserves more than bit parts and cameo appearances.

Darren Bent: Missing out on World Cup squad hurt like hell Paul Wilson 2010