Source: SKY_Sports
Defoe determined to succeed
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Jermain Defoe is using the heartache of missing out on the 2006 World Cup as motivation to make sure he is on the plane to South Africa next summer.[LNB] The Tottenham striker was left behind by then England manager Sven Goran Eriksson with rookie Theo Walcott preferred, despite Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney struggling for fitness.[LNB]The 26-year-old has put the set-back firmly behind him and has begun the new season with four goals from four games.[LNB]The former Portsmouth hotshot has managed to force his way into Fabio Capello's plans on a regular basis, with Defoe's recent England form one of the reasons why the Italian continues to overlook Michael Owen.[LNB]Defoe strengthened his World Cup 2010 chances with a brace in the 2-2 friendly draw with Holland last time out and is looking for more of the same on Saturday when England entertain Slovenia in a friendly at Wembley.[LNB]"I'll never forget what happened in 2006," he told The Sun. "It's so clear in my mind it still seems like yesterday.[LNB]Difficult to accept"It was difficult to accept because I had travelled with the squad to Germany and was with the boys in the team hotel. [LNB]"I was told I had to go home. It was much harder to take in 2006. Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney had both been struggling with injuries and I was feeling good.[LNB]"At the end of the day all managers are different. Eriksson picked his squad and everyone said Theo was a strange decision.[LNB]"But you can't blame Theo for that. He is a great talent and is showing that now. I suppose what happened in 2006 made me a stronger person.[LNB]"And I want to make sure I'm in the squad this time around."[LNB]But Defoe will not be content with a bit-part role at next summer's finals. The Spurs ace is looking to use the Slovenia clash as an opportunity to stake a claim to start alongside Rooney on a more regular basis after finally being given a chance by Capello.[LNB]"I have never doubted I was good enough for international football," Defoe, who has eight goals from 34 England caps, added.[LNB]Fair chance"I just believe that under previous England managers, I didn't get a fair chance. With the current manager I've featured in a lot of games.[LNB]"Even when I haven't started I've come on and played the whole second half. That's what I regard as getting a fair opportunity.[LNB]"Whether I start for England is down to the manager. I want to be playing but, if I'm on the bench, I'll still be positive.[LNB]"Maybe I'll have to come on and make an impact again. That's all you can do, wait for your chance and take it when it comes because there are plenty of other players who can come on and do something special."[LNB]
