5 September 2005
Press Conference: Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe talks ahead of England's two Group Six World Cup Qualifiers at home ot Austria and Poland.


Click here to read the full transcription from Jermain's press briefing

Jermain Defoe says he is a more complete player this season after working hard with Tottenham manager Martin Jol to improve his game.

The England striker is well aware he faces stiff competition for a place in the Three Lions side and is determined to stake a claim. So he has worked extra hard on becoming a more all-round player.

He said: "I spoke to Martin Jol about it and we've worked on a lot of things in training, especially pre-season, and it's helped me a lot.

"If you watch me play this year it's quite different compared to last season. I try to get involved more, get a lot of touches of the ball and try and create a lot of chances for other people and so far it's been good. I've been involved in a lot of goals and I've been scoring them too."

Defoe's extra depth to his game can only improve his England chances and he is eager to show Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson what he can do.

He admits it was a disappointment not to be picked in the starting eleven for the away match against Wales recently, even though Michael Owen was unavailable. But he remains determined to prove a point.

He said: "Obviously as a professional it was disappointing. But there's not much you can do. I thought to myself 'right, I'm just going back to my club and just try and show people that I should have been playing and prove to myself that I'm good enough to step up a level'.

"You always have to be patient. Obviously it's difficult when you're young, you want to play every game. But it's a key thing to be patient and that's what I'm going to do.

"I have to get my head down and work hard and maybe prove to the manager that I should be playing. But then Michael is a great player, Wayne is a great player.

"Darren Bent has come in and is on fire - although I've told him I'm chasing him! And Crouchy is playing Champions League for Liverpool and is a great player as well.

"They are all good players and for some reason we all seem to be playing well. So it's tough call for the manager but I suppose it's good for the country."

Click here to read the full transcription from Jermain's press briefing