Source: SKY_Sports
Jordan backs Defoe credentials
Tottenham first-team coach Joe Jordan believes Jermain Defoe should start for England in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.
A debate is raging over whether England boss Fabio Capello should select the Spurs star or Aston Villa's Emile Heskey, who has earned a first XI place in recent games.
Defoe is in form after scoring five goals in his last three internationals, including the Three Lions' second against Slovenia on Saturday following his half-time introduction.
The 26-year-old is also on song for Spurs, having netted four times in the Premier League this season, and Jordan thinks Capello cannot omit the former West Ham and Portsmouth forward.
"I think he deserves a start. He can't do any more. The goals he has scored for club and country are fantastic," Jordan told Sky Sports News.
"I think we are playing some good football (at Tottenham) and he is part of that."
Jordan feels that Defoe has benefited from intensive fitness training which came in the wake of a foot injury in January.
The Scot expects his Tottenham colleague to prove his ability if offered the chance for England, who can qualify for the 2010 World Cup with a win against Croatia.
"He has come back and his mind is set. In my opinion, there has never been any doubt that Jermain will score goals. He has scored goals all of his career," added Jordan.
"He has come back and he is physically strong. There is more to his game than just popping the ball in the net, which he has done on a regular basis.
"He has shown that he has got more to offer the team. He has shown that for Spurs and, if he is given a chance for England, he will show that as well.
"The fact that he has scored goals has given him the confidence, which any player needs.
"As long as he stays free of any little injury and gets the continuity of games, he will continue scoring goals."
