Source: SKY_Sports
Defoe relishes England recall
Jermain Defoe is delighted to be extending his season after being brought back into the England fold.
The Tottenham striker has only recently shaken off a foot injury and will enter a 2010 World Cup qualifying double-header against Kazakhstan and Andorra relatively fresh.
He has not featured for his country since starting a 2-1 win in Germany last November, with niggling knocks hindering his progress.
Keen to make up for lost time, and determined to force his way into Fabio Capello's thoughts ahead of next year's showpiece event in South Africa, Defoe is relishing the opportunity to get his international career back on track.
"It seems like a lifetime since I was last involved, because I've been injured," said Defoe.
"It would be nice to get a couple more games there and be involved."
Defoe has also turned his attention to next season with Spurs, admitting he is prepared to scrap for a place in Harry Redknapp's first-team plans.
"Everyone has to come back and fight for their place," he said.
"It's as simple as that. If you are playing well you should start, if you are not playing, well, then it is a long season.
"You go through spells when you don't score or you're not playing well and you're on the bench. When you get back in you have to take the chance. Everyone wants to be first choice."
Progress
Defoe could be paired alongside Robbie Keane next term, with the Irish striker pleased with the progress Tottenham have made since his return from an ill-fated spell at Liverpool.
"I think we have to be happy overall with the way we have finished the season, considering we were hovering close to the bottom of the table when I came here," he said.
"I'm not for one second suggesting that the recovery has been down to me because the manager has done a fantastic job since coming here.
"To think we only had two points from eight games and people were talking about us possibly being relegated, and then finishing the season in eighth place.
"We saw some big clubs get relegated over the weekend, so we have to be pleased with the way we have performed in the second half of the season."
