Emile Heskey has defended Wayne Rooney over his conduct in Monday's practice match against the Platinum Stars.

Rooney was booked shortly after his introduction at half-time and referee Jeff Selogilwe has warned the England striker he risks getting sent off during the World Cup unless he curbs his behaviour.

But Heskey does not see a problem.

Tipped to partner Rooney in Rustenburg this weekend for the Group C opener against the United States, the 32-year-old felt his strike partner gave England a much-needed lift.

"A lot was made of it but at times his passion has been misread for anger," Heskey told BBC Radio Five Live.

"When he came on the pitch he got the lads going.

"We probably needed that because we were a little bit flat.

"He picked us up and gave us the boost we needed.

"It is not anger. He just wants to win. He is so passionate, he wears everything on his sleeve."

Heskey played a major part in the other high-profile incident during England's build-up so far when he fell on Rio Ferdinand in training on Friday.

Ferdinand described the accident as a "freak" but it was enough to rule him out of the World Cup, something that has brought Heskey more criticism from some England fans.

"I tried to turn a ball round the corner. I fell backwards onto him and his leg was in a position that meant he couldn't move it," recalled the Aston Villa man.

"There was nothing you could do.

"Knowing he is out of the World Cup was very difficult.

"He is our captain and has been a great player through the years for England and at club level.

"I spoke to him afterwards but it was just one of those things."

With seven goals in 58 internationals, Heskey is hardly a major contributor to England's scoring prowess.

However, Capello recognises how difficult he can be to tie down, and how much more effective Rooney and Steven Gerrard can be when he is on the field.

"Forwards are judged on their goalscoring," acknowledged the Aston Villa forward.

"People do look at that. But I like to think I bring a lot more to the game and I do get pleasure from assisting.

"I also get pleasure from being part of a winning side.

"I do sometimes think I could have done better in certain situations and got a goal myself but that is part and parcel of the game."