Disappointed Ashton knows he has to slim down to team up with Capello

As Dean Ashton discussed the new dietary regime which he hopes will guarantee him an England future, a plot was unfolding which was about to rob him of yet another chance in international football.

Ashton left Upton Park after scoring twice in front of Fabio Capello, confident that a calf niggle which forced him off near the end would prove nothing more than severe cramp.

Extra-large? Pizza loving Dean Ashton scored two goals in front of Fabio Capello - but still did not make it in to the Italian's new England squad

He hoped it would not rule him out of Wednesday's international friendly against the Czech Republic. Less than two hours later, without waiting on scan results, Capello named his squad without Ashton.

The injury scare itself was enough to convince the England manager he need not antagonise Alan Curbishley by taking any chances at this stage of the season.
Curbishley will be secretly pleased his centre forward can now rest and prepare for a trip to Manchester City.

For Ashton, however, it may seriously damage his international dreams, just 11 weeks after a disappointing debut in Trinidad and Tobago on a summer tour when Capello advised him to lose some weight.

'If the England manager tells you to lose weight then that's what you do, you do whatever it takes,' said Ashton, who piled on muscle after breaking his ankle in an England training session two years ago.

'But I've gone away and worked hard this summer. I've adjusted my diet and lost a bit of weight - exactly how much is for me to know. I feel good for it. Pizza will always be my favourite food but it's a case of not eating it all the time.'

The West Ham striker played 45 minutes in Trinidad, missing a good chance in that time. It did not convince Capello he is the answer to England's problems up front.

'I'm not going to lie, I was nervous,' said Ashton. 'In my eyes, playing for your country is a big deal. I just feel I want more chances to show everyone I am good enough.'

Emile Heskey is in the squad after a game which showcased the strengths and limitations of both strikers for Capello.

Ashton's natural goal touch was on display with a sublime turn and vicious strike for West Ham's first. He put them two up inside 10 minutes with a tap-in but later hobbled off to remind everyone of his fragile fitness.

Heskey rarely threatened to score but worked tirelessly as Wigan fought to salvage something from a sloppy start. He won everything in the air - including a flick for Amr Zaki to pull a goal back - and tracked back when needed. His selfless efforts are appreciated by his team-mates.

'I'm a massive fan,' said goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. 'I've played with Hesk for a while and seen what he can do for a team. There's nobody like him. He proved it over the two games he played for England with Michael Owen last season. He came back in and he was magnificent.'

West Ham (4-4-2): Green 6; Behrami 5, Davenport 6, Upson 6, Neill 5; Faubert 5 (Boa Morte 86min), Noble 5, Parker 5 (Mullins 72, 4), Etherington 6; Cole 6, Ashton 7 (Sears 73, 4).
Booked: Parker, Davenport.

Wigan (4-4-2): Kirkland 5; Melchiot 5 (De Ridder 83), Scharner 5 (Koumas 83), Boyce 5, Figueroa 5; Valencia 6, Cattermole 5 (Sibierski 85), Palacios 7, Kapo 6; Heskey 6, Zaki 6.
Booked: Palacios

Man of the Match: Dean Ashton

Referee: Steve Bennett