England striker fires a brace against West Ham to earn three points for Spurs

Jermain Defoe won the praise of Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas after scoring twice in his side's 3-1 victory over West Ham.

The England striker proved he is a man in form as he took his tally for the season to 12 in 23 games for club and country.

Villas-Boas said: "Defoe is a great player in a great moment of form.

"His desire and hunger are immense. He works hard and lives off scoring. He's having a great season."

Defoe's first goal at White Hart Lane on Sunday was particularly impressive - a superb invidual effort that left his manager purring.

"It was very similar to the goal he scored against Reading; turning away from the defender and taking it on.

"In one-on-one situations he’s immense. It was decisive because it unlocks the game. He’s an incredible striker.

"He’s enjoying his football. When we see strikers of this nature, their anger for goals is exactly what you want and request from a striker. I couldn’t ask for any more."

Defoe's second against his old club was set up by England teammate Aaron Lennon capping off a quick Spurs break to make it 3-0.

Another England striker, Andy Carroll, was also on target as he scored his first goal for West Ham to pull one back for the visitors.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce said: "Our goal provides a platform to the players to show where to put the ball.

"If they put it in the right areas Andy Carroll will score and he showed that with his header. Hopefully he can get on a bit of a run."

Meanwhile, across London, Ashley Cole was one of Chelsea's best performers as they held champions Manchester City to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in Rafa Benitez's first match in charge.

Cole made two crucial saving tackles and also fired in a shot that was tipped over the bar by England goalkeeper Joe Hart in the second half.

Chelsea were without England centre-back Gary Cahill because of illness but they hope to have him back in time for a midweek game against Fulham. 

Frank Lampard was also missing with a long-term injury but is closing in on a return to action according to the new Blues manager.

City fielded both Gareth Barry and James Milner in their midfield line-up but couldn't break down Chelsea's defence as they missed an opportunity to put extra pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.

At Southampton, there was joy for young midfielder Adam Lallana as he revelled in a free role handed to him by manager Nigel Adkins. He scored the first goal in a crucial 2-0 victory over Newcastle.

Former England U21 midfielder Jack Cork gave an accomplished display for the Saints, while 17-year-old left back Luke Shaw is already looking as promising as predecessors Wayne Bridge and Gareth Bale in his role in the left side of Southampton's defence.

The England U17 star was exceptional once again.

At Swansea, Liverpool fielded England captain Steven Gerrard as well as Glen Johnson, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling during a 0-0 draw.

And England new boy Jonjo Shelvey almost won it when he came on as a substitute and forced Swans keeper Gerhard Tremmel into a fine save with a fierce shot from 20 yards.

England meet Brazil at Wembley Stadium on 6 February and tickets will go on sale next week, so keep coming back here or follow @FA on Twitter to make sure you don't miss out...