Spurs striker Defoe is perfect partner for Rooney, says legend Beardsley

03 March 2010 11:04
Former England striker Peter Beardsley believes Tottenham's Jermain Defoe is the best man to partner Wayne Rooney as England's World Cup countdown begins against Egypt at Wembley.[LNB]Beardsley, who made his England debut against Egypt in Cairo, does not go along with the big-man little-man theory. [LNB]The former Newcastle striker had a lucrative partnership with Gary Lineker at international level and neither were six-footers.[LNB] Hot shots: Defoe (left) and Rooney have 54 goals between them in all competitions this season with the Manchester United striker just ahead on 29[LNB]Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole are in the squad but Beardsley said: 'For me Defoe is the best partner for Rooney. I'm not worried about height and physique in terms of partnerships.[LNB]'I look for ability and though Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey are good players, Defoe looks really sharp and is scoring goals.[LNB]'But Rooney is playing so well he could play alongisde anyone at the moment.'[LNB]Beardsley does not completely agree with Fabio Capello's assertion that high wages are having a damaging effect on young players.[LNB] Dream team: Beardsley (right) and Lineker were a force for England[LNB]Capello's comments came on the back of some of his England squad making the front pages for their behaviour off the pitch.[LNB]Beardsley added: 'I agree with some of his points but that's just the way the market is these days.  [LNB]'In some ways they deserve it. The important thing is how they look after the money, maybe some should be kept back until they are a little older.[LNB]'The way Sir Alex Ferguson nurtured and looked after Ryan Giggs as he was coming through showed the way to do it.'[LNB] Rio offers Moore: Ferdinand vows to lead England by example at World CupTV (not Capello) told Ferdinand he was replacing Terry as England captainYou're too rich: Money's spoilt stars, says Capello (who is on £6m a year)England eighth in FIFA rankings ahead of Argentina as Spain hold top spotCapello pleads with England fans to lay off his axed captain Terry at WembleyTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

Source: Daily_Mail