Aston Villa's John Carew: Emile Heskey will defy the critics at the World Cup with England

England striker Emile Heskey will prove his critics wrong at next month's World Cup, according to Aston Villa team-mate John Carew.

Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game

Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets!

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25

Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200

Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20!

The 32-year-old has scored just seven goals in 57 appearances for his country since making his debut against Hungary back in 1999. He found the net just five times in 40 matches for Villa this season — and only once in nine England matches.

However, despite his lack of goals he is still considered an important part of England coach Fabio Capello's plans, and has been selected in the provisional 30-man World Cup squad.

He is expected by most observers to be named in the final 23 for the tournament on June 1, and Heskey's club team-mate believes until you play alongside the powerful forward you cannot really appreciate his worth.

"You know what Emile's about, how much he means to the team and how much he means for the other striker," Carew told the club's official website.

"In the role he plays for the team, he is fantastic - holding up the ball, supporting the second striker, creating the space."

The former Valencia striker continued to defend Heskey, believing the criticism he sometimes receives is unjust.

"He will do so much for you as a striker, it is amazing. I know he gets some criticism every now and again but I just think that is not fair because of the role he is playing," he said.

"He is one of the strongest there in his role. That is why he is also playing so many games for the national team - because they know he is important.

"In the few games I have played with him I have noticed his presence around when he is playing. Gabby [Agbonlahor] has been enjoying it and I've been enjoying it as well.

"Together with another striker he can be very important and Fabio Capello knows that."

While Carew thinks it might not neccesarily be Heskey collecting the Golden Boot in South Africa, he stressed it is often the unselfish work the player does which results in other team-mates benefitting.

"With his role on the pitch he will still make the team score goals and he will create big chances for the other striker," he said.

"That is what the trainer and the manager see in the player as well, because he creates so much for the rest of the team.

"He lifts the team, he holds the ball and he creates so many chances for the players around.

"So with him around, the second striker will probably score more goals and one or two of the midfielders will score more goals."

Although Carew will not be going to the World Cup after Norway failed to qualify, he had a fine domestic season — scoring ten Premier League goals in 33 appearances.

Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!