England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90000

Defoe ready to step in for England

18 Jun 2010 - 10:32:20

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England striker Jermain Defoe is ready to step up if given the chance to start against Algeria on Friday evening.

The Tottenham striker is reported to be in line to replace Emile Heskey in the starting line-up for the crunch Group C encounter in Cape Town.

Head coach Fabio Capello is believed to favour Defoe's mobility against the North Africans and the striker is ready to make the most of the opportunity should he find himself lining up alongside Wayne Rooney.

"I'm ready. In training I feel sharp and I'm ready, definitely," said Defoe, who scored 24 goals in all competitions for Spurs last season.

Meanwhile, Defoe has revealed that authoritarian coach Capello does have a softer side to his character.

Capello's England reign has been characterised by professionalism and respect.

"Obviously the manager is extremely disciplined but is also cool and he's got good banter," Defoe told the Football Association's official website.

"He joins in and is always laughing and stuff. But when we're training, we've got to do it right."