© Reuters 2002

LEEDS, England, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson has backed Emile Heskey to partner Michael Owen in attack for England at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Thompson believes Heskey and Owen's understanding, developed through their partnership for Liverpool, means Heskey is currently ahead of his rivals for a starting place when England begin their World Cup finals campaign against Sweden on June 2.

Speaking to reporters after Liverpool's 4-0 English premier league win over Leeds on Sunday, in which Heskey and Owen both scored, Thompson said: "I don't see any problem with Michael Owen and Emile Heskey.

"They have played together a long time for Liverpool. It won't be a problem for them to play together for England as well, because they know each other's game so well.

"Of course, there will be other contenders, but the fact that they are playing so regularly at club level as well will tip the balance in their favour."

Heskey, 24, was criticised for his lack of goals after failing to score for 14 games before finding the net against his old club Leicester last week.

But his brace against Leeds took his tally to three in two matches and Thompson insisted he never questioned Heskey's contribution for Liverpool.

Thompson added: "I keep having to champion the cause of Emile. If people knew a little bit more about the game I shouldn't have to.

"He has been outstanding for us all season. Even when we were at the top he was playing an exceptional part, despite not scoring.

"He has never hidden and his performances have been fantastic for the club and the rest of his team mates."