Jermain Defoe Hopeful Fabio Capello Trusts He Can Partner Wayne Rooney For England

Manager's pledge to play two up front raises Spurs man's hopes.

Mar 3, 2010 11:47:00 AM

By Alan Dawson

EPL: Jermain Defoe, Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United (Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur hotshot Jermain Defoe is praying that Fabio Capello's recent declaration that Wayne Rooney cannot lead the line on his own will pave the way for his own inclusion in the Italian's England XI.

Defoe has been in exemplary form for both Spurs and the Three Lions this season, returning 25 goals for both teams.

"I want to get everything right in a World Cup year and Wazza [Rooney] is a fantastic player," the striker is quoted by The Sun to have said.

England play Egypt this evening at Wembley and, even though the Pharaohs will not be present at the World Cup finals in South Africa, the fixture has been selected as a direct warm-up for the country's group game against Algeria.

Capello has also organised international friendlies against Mexico and Japan before the tournament begins. 

The former Real Madrid coach explained earlier this week: "My style is always two forwards - and, with England, one big one, one small one. I know Rooney has looked good as a single forward with United but I would never play him on his own.

"No, not even with Steven Gerrard just behind him. Gerrard will play like a midfielder who attacks."

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