15 August 2005
Jermain Defoe: Press Conference

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe will be aiming to impress Sven in Wednesday's friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen.


Jermain Defoe believes he is adding more to his game all the time as he prepares to take on Denmark on Wednesday.

The striker has been hailed as the natural stand-in for Michael Owen because of his outstanding pace and natural finishing.

But the Tottenham man has revealed to TheFA.com that he is also improving many other aspects of his game.

He said: "People say I need to improve my link-up play outside the box and I accept that. But Martin Jol did say to me in pre-season at Tottenham that my passing ratio was the best at the club.

"I was a bit surprised, but I’ve been playing just behind the main striker recently and I’ve set up quite a few goals.

"That’s the way the game is going now, it’s not just 4-4-2 it’s always one up front and someone just behind. I feel comfortable with it and I’ve really enjoyed it.

"People compare me to Michael a lot and I can see it. Michael is a natural goalscorer and some say the same about me. I like to play high up the pitch because it means I can get a lot of chances and do what I enjoy doing which is scoring goals.

"But I’ve also tried to drop in and get involved as well recently. I’m trying to bring different things into my game."

One thing which Defoe doesn’t need to add, however, is goalscoring ability - because he already has it in abundance.

His superb goal for Spurs at Portsmouth on Saturday showed what a natural finisher he is - but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to work on his technique.

He said: "I’ve always worked on my finishing in training, I’ve always stayed behind even if its just for 20 minutes.

"I do that because I think it helps me in games when I get chances. At the top level you sometimes only get one good chance in a game and you have to take. So it's something I work on."

That should bode well for England in Copenhagen and also for next month’s World Cup qualifier in Wales, which Owen will miss through suspension.

Defoe said: "It’s been at the back of my mind and that’s why I wanted to get the season off to a good start.

"It’s a great chance for me and I have to grab it with both hands. I feel sharp and I feel fit - and if selected I’m ready."