Jermain Defoe
DOB 07.10.1982
2007 Caps 5, Goals 0
Career Caps 26, Goals 3
Tottenham Hotspur
After the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup Squad in 2006 Jermain Defoe was a man with a point to prove in 2007.
But with strikers of the calibre of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Peter Crouch in front of him, Defoe's role was more of a high impact player coming off the bench rather than a starter.
The Spurs striker has often featured in a similar role for his club, where he has often had to fight for his place with the striking prowess fellow internationals Robbie Keane, Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov.
Defoe's five caps in 2007 all came from the substitutes bench and resulted in varying levels of success.
His first appearance of the year came in February in the 1-0 defeat by Spain, at Old Trafford. Defoe came on as a 70th minute substitute for Shaun Wright-Phillips with England already a goal down.
The closest Defoe came to adding to his goal tally was in the final minute of the away game in Andora in March when his goal bound shot was nudged over the line by debutant David Nugent.
"I have always said, and I keep saying it, if I get my opportunity I will just try my best. I do believe that, if I play and get some kind of rhythm, I will score goals." Jermain Defoe
"Whenever I've played with him it seems to have worked. I felt good alongside him against Austria. It is the big man, little man combination. I've done it in partnership with Michael and Jermain as well and it does seem to work. We play well together and I am sure it can come off." Peter Crouch