27 May 2005
Jermain Defoe scores in training

Watch Jermain's controversial effort during England's training session in Illinois on Friday. 


 Click here to download Windows Media Player.


Who said training wasn't competitive? The England squad conclusively proved otherwise today when they were split right down the middle over whether a Jermain Defoe strike had crossed the line.

England coach Sammy Lee was again in charge of proceedings at the Illinois Institute of Sport, where two teams went head to head in a friendly small-sided game in preparation for Saturday night's match against the USA.

It was North v South and as Andrew Johnson flicked the ball into the path of Defoe bursting into the area the Spurs man fired goalwards.

The shot beat Manchester City stopper David James before ricocheting off the bar and striking the ground.  James was convinced he'd managed to keep the ball out of the net, reaching the rebound before Defoe, but Sol Campbell can be heard registering his opinion; he had no doubts about the goal.

Sammy called for video replays of the incident and FA photographer Simon Mooney was on hand to supply evidence. The players crowded around to see if the ball did indeed cross the line but even the photo was not enough to change James' opinion.

But it was enough for the man in the middle and the goal was awarded. 

To see if you think it was a goal, click on the links above to watch the video of Defoe's effort.