Emile Heskey believes England have to start looking to the future after failing to qualify for Euro 2008.

The inquest into how England only managed to finish third in their qualifying group is still going on but Heskey feels it is time to stop dwelling on the past.

The Wigan forward does not agree with the argument that Steve McClaren did not have enough quality players to call upon when his squad was ravaged by injuries.

"We have got the players," Heskey, who missed the climax of England's campaign with a metatarsal injury, said as he lent support to the Jason Roberts Foundation at a fundraiser in Manchester.

"You only have to look at how those players perform in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League to know that.

"Look at the striking options. There's myself, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Andy Johnson and Jermain Defoe.

"There is Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, you can throw in Dean Ashton as well. We have options.

"It surprises me people say we do not have the players but it takes a strong manager to make the best use of them."

Heskey feels whoever comes in to replace McClaren has every chance of being successful in the job.

He explained: "I believe a new manager can come in and win things with this squad because there is so much ability.

"It's about getting us playing as a team. We are going to have a bit of a dire summer but at least we can see where we have gone wrong.

"We have to look forward and put things right."

Heskey is hoping he will figure in the new boss' plans, adding: "You don't want people to forget you.

"With the new manager coming in, you want him to be impressed."

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