Source: Team_Talk
Heskey: No complaints if JD gets nod
Tottenham star Defoe has seven goals in six appearance for club and country this season, including the decisive strike in the 2-1 friendly win against Slovenia on Saturday.
England boss Fabio Capello tends to prefer the physical presence of Heskey, but the Aston Villa forward said: "You can't complain (if Defoe starts). Jermain has done brilliantly. Every time he comes on the pitch he scores a goal. That's the main thing.
"We're in competition but it's good competition. It puts you on your toes knowing you've got to do well."
As Heskey has scored seven goals in his entire 55-cap international career, one fewer than Defoe has managed in his last nine games, the doubt over Capello's preference is understandable.
Keen not to give anything away before England face Croatia on Wednesday, Capello initially tried to deflect the subject away with a joke, before returning to a familiar theme.
"Perhaps he would be tired if he played from the first minute," he smiled.
"When Jermain Defoe plays in the second half, he scores goals. That is good. He is a really important player for us.
"But I can choose different players. They do a lot of movement around Heskey. And the movement of Rooney and Gerrard is very dangerous. I thought Heskey did well."
The debate is there to be had though, with Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek admitting it must be a conundrum for his opposite number.
"It is not my problem but Capello should think seriously about picking Defoe before the Croatia game," said Kek.
"Defoe has been playing well for three or four weeks at Tottenham and he worked well with Lennon in the second-half."
Ultimately however, Capello's thoughts are the only ones that matter And the chances are Heskey will start against Slaven Bilic's side and Defoe will remain on the bench, if only because of the additional impact Gerrard and Rooney can make if the much derided Aston Villa player is on the pitch.
Defoe is used to being overlooked after missing out on the 2006 World Cup, but he has taken inspiration from David Beckham as he looks to make up for that disappointment.
He said: "It was disappointing to miss out on 2006 but when you go through disappointments in life, it's about how you react and come back from them.
"If you look at the most talented players, they all have to do that.
"If you look at David Beckham, he got sent off in the World Cup in 1998 and had to bounce back, which he did by getting a goal against Greece a few years later to get us to another finals.
"To do what he has done since, to get all those caps and have an incredible career, is unbelievable. You look at players like that and learn from them.
"You've just got to keep your head up and keep working and hopefully you will get another chance - and that's what I want with this next World Cup."
