Source: Team_Talk
I'll be ready if I'm needed - Defoe
Jermain Defoe insists he is "ready" if called into the starting line-up by Fabio Capello for tonight's World Cup encounter with Algeria.[LNB] England coach Fabio Capello has admitted he is weighing up whether to partner Wayne Rooney with either Emile Heskey or Defoe in Cape Town.[LNB]Heskey started alongside the Manchester United star in the opening 1-1 draw with the United States last weekend.[LNB]He set up an early goal for skipper Steven Gerrard but was guilty of failing to convert a gilt-edged chance in the second period.[LNB]Defoe offers a different option to Heskey with his pace and has a far superior scoring record for his country.[LNB]He has netted 11 goals in 40 internationals compared to only seven in 58 appearances from Heskey.[LNB]Defoe has also enjoyed an excellent season at Tottenham and played a major role in helping them secure a Champions League spot.[LNB]In contrast, Heskey has had to be content with a bit-part role at Aston Villa behind Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew.[LNB]Defoe has started only one competitive game under Capello - against Andorra nearly two years ago - but he told FATV: "I'm ready. In training I feel sharp and I'm ready, definitely."[LNB]Capello has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian but Defoe is adamant the Italian has got the right balance with the players.[LNB]He said: "Obviously the manager is extremely disciplined but the manager is also cool and he's got good banter.[LNB]"He joins in and is always laughing and stuff. But when we're training, we've got to do it right."[LNB]Defoe's sentiments are echoed by winger Shaun Wright-Phillips who said: "There's loads of banter, especially around the dinner table when we're chilling and socialising."[LNB]The Manchester City winger admits he was surprised to be so heavily involved against the USA, replacing out-of-sorts James Milner after only half an hour on the left flank.[LNB]He said: "It was a very good surprise, I couldn't have wanted any more than that.[LNB]"It was a step getting here and then another giant step to actually get on the pitch and play for the country in such a big tournament."
