Emile Heskey visited Powerleague in Lambeth, South London, as part of their ‘World Cup Ringers’ campaign.
Updated research from Powerleague reveals the importance of ‘ringers’ and the most common reasons that make their way into the 5-a-side group chat.
One lucky 5-a-side team could get the opportunity to play with ex-England legend Emile Heskey, as part of Powerleague’s ‘World Cup Ringers’ campaign.
According to their research, 80% of 5-a-side teams have experienced a last-minute call for ringers!
The survey conducted by Powerleague, the UK’s leading small-sided football operator, of more than 1,000 grassroots football players across the UK, also revealed the most frequently used reasons that pop up in the 5-a-side group chat.
Top 10 reasons people give for dropping out of a small-sided football fixture:
Injury – 59%
Illness – 57%
Have to work / study – 33%
Childcare – 26%
Family emergency – 22%
Transport issues – 21%
Holiday – 21%
Lost track of time / got my days mixed up – 18%
Event/celebration with friends or family – 17%
Too tired – 12%
As the ambassador, Heskey spoke to TSR Football about England’s World Cup hopes and whether he thinks any of his past teammates would get into the current England side.
“I would say Steven Gerrard – he would add another dimension and energy in midfield; he’s someone who can drive the team. He is a leader.
[Jordan] Henderson is the same sort of character, but he gives that little bit more.”
When asked about any others, he only believes Wayne Rooney would make the first 11, starting in the 10. He described his prime years as “very, very good”.
Heskey is a big fan of Harry Kane. Believing that he is one of the best players in the world right now. He said he wouldn’t swap him for the likes of Ferran Torres, Julian Alvarez, and even Erling Haaland! Only Kylian Mbappé and a prime Cristiano Ronaldo would be his choice over Kane for out-and-out strikers, as well as, of course, Lionel Messi. Messi is the leading goalscorer in the tournament so far, in quite sublime fashion.
We hadn’t had our fun enough with Heskey, and so we asked his thoughts on just how good Harry Kane actually is in world football. During one of our social media challenges, he believes Kane is the best English striker from any generation and would not swap them for anyone… even Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker!
In terms of being an all-round forward, it is safe to say that Kane is one of the best in world football for some time. Very few have compared to his ball-playing and dropping-back ability. As far as strikers are concerned, very few are capable of both dropping deep and creating chances, as well as being one of the most clinical in front of goal.
As far as an all-time English five-a-side would go, Heskey said:
“GK: Gordon Banks
DEF: Sol Campbell
MID: Steven Gerrard
MID: Bobby Charlton
ST: Harry Kane
To help teams affected by player drop-outs, Powerleague will soon launch its ‘Ringers’ WhatsApp community. Available across all 44 venues, it will connect players with teams needing a last-minute replacement, helping fill vacant spots and keep games going!
