Source: Team_Talk
Defoe: Rooney partnership needs time
Jermain Defoe believes his England strike partnership with Wayne Rooney will get even better the more they play together.[LNB] Defoe scored his first international hat-trick as England overcame Bulgaria 4-0 in a Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley on Friday night.[LNB]But Rooney also made a telling contribution, having a hand in creating all four goals although he has still not netted for his country in 11 appearances during the past 12 months.[LNB]Defoe said: "People say we can't play together but I think it takes time.[LNB]"I don't think I've started that many games with Wayne, but the more games you start together the better the partnership becomes.[LNB]"It's similar to Robbie Keane at Tottenham when Martin Jol was manager.[LNB]"We didn't play much together so, when we did, it was a little bit more difficult.[LNB]"Sometimes it takes time. But against Bulgaria, everything just seemed to connect.[LNB]"If my movement is right and I'm getting in positions I've always said I believe I'll score.[LNB]"Every time I moved against Bulgaria, Rooney seemed to find me and it was just a case of finishing it off."[LNB]Defoe believes he has developed into a better all-round player after taking his England goal tally to 15.[LNB]He said: "I've always said I'm always going to work hard and try to improve.[LNB]"I work in training, I stay behind and practice my finishing and I've always done that.[LNB]"I think my game has changed over the years and I now get more involved.[LNB]"It's a great time, I'm playing with great players and I know I'm going to get chances so, it's just a matter of getting in the box and taking them."[LNB]Defoe believes the England players sent out a message of intent with their performance against Bulgaria after the disappointments of the World Cup.[LNB]He said: "What happened in the World Cup was disappointing. We came home when we didn't feel ready to come home after the way we lost to Germany.[LNB]"But it's about picking yourself up and putting things right. I think we had a point to prove.[LNB]"I think the lads proved a lot to be honest. With the pressure and what happened at the World Cup, you want to forget it but it's always going to be at the back of your mind."
