Defoe relishing England return

26 May 2009 13:10
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is relishing the end of his season getting extended following his international recall. The 26-year-old has returned from a foot injury and wants to make his mark with England in the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra. "It seems like a lifetime since I was last involved, because I've been injured," he said. "It would be nice to get a couple more games there and be involved." Defoe has four goals in seven starts since returning to White Hart Lane in January, with boss Harry Redknapp also bringing Robbie Keane back to the club. Redknapp is set to change his attack further and is expected to monitor Djibril Cisse's situation after the Frenchman's spell at Sunderland came to an end. Defoe has enjoyed success with a bigger strike partner, although Redknapp has also paired him with Keane in trips to Everton and Liverpool recently. Defoe expects plenty of competition for places when pre-season starts. "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."

Source: Eurosport