31 August 2005
Jermain Defoe interview

Jermain Defoe looks ahead to Saturday's trip to Cardiff following today's session at the London Colney Training HQ.


Jermain Defoe says he is looking forward to playing alongside England teammate Jermaine Jenas for Spurs.

Jenas, 22, has completed a £7m move from Newcastle to Tottenham and the news has delighted his Three Lions colleague.

Defoe and Jenas have become good friends during their time together with England and will now link up at club level, too.

Striker Defoe said: "It’s a great signing. I was on the phone to him all week last week asking what was happening! Now it’s all done and dusted now and it’s great for us.

"I think he will be very good for Spurs. He’s a great athlete, good on the ball. He always seems to have time and he gets box to box and scores goals as well. Hopefully he can do all of that for us."

At present, however, it isn’t Tottenham at the forefront of Defoe’s mind – it’s England. Especially as he is tipped to start against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday because Michael Owen is suspended.

He said: "I’m ready if picked and all the team are determined to prove a point after the way we lost in Denmark.

"We have done a lot of stuff in training and the lads have been sharp. I always work hard in training and if I’m given a chance on Saturday hopefully I’ll take it

"We have played against Wales before and we know their players will give 120 per cent. But all our players are up for the game as well.

"It was horrible watching a video of the Denmark game, we didn’t enjoy it. But we’re all professionals and we have to take it on the chin and put it right against Wales."