England can bank on Defoe for goals in Europe

14 April 2012

Les Ferdinand has called on Steve McClaren to keep faith with Jermain Defoe as the solution to England's problems in attack.

With Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Dean Ashton missing from this week's European Championship qualifiers, the new manager's striking options are severely limited.

Having scored eight goals in 12 games for his country, Peter Crouch seems certain to start against Andorra at Old Trafford on Saturday, but his choice of partner remains open to question.

Defoe, who was controversially omitted from Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad, was recalled to the starting line-up for the Greece friendly two weeks ago when he failed to score in a 4-0 win.

The 23-year-old has also been dropped for Spurs' last two Premiership games, leading to calls for either Darren Bent or Andy Johnson to replace him in the national side.

But Ferdinand, 39, who starred for Spurs and England during a prolific career, disagrees and believes an extended run of games could see Defoe emerge as the long-term successor to Michael Owen.

The recently-retired striker said: "I think the manager has got to start with Crouch given that it's a qualifier. Not only does he have the international experience, but just look at his goalscoring record for England.

Ambitions

"He would seem to be the automatic choice and it then comes down to Defoe or Bent or Johnson to fill the other slot.

"With Jermain, people are perhaps talking about him not being the answer but, in my view, you need to give him a run of six or seven games and say to him, 'Go out there and do your stuff.'

"Steve McClaren has the opportunity to do that now. The manager started him in the last game and I'd like to see him do the same against Andorra.

"Playing games builds confidence, which is so important. We know Jermain can score goals, the issue for him is proving that he can transfer his club form from the past couple of seasons to international level."

Defoe's surprise absence from the squad for Germany was partly explained by his failure to oust Robbie Keane from the starting line-up at White Hart Lane.

More often than not, the former West Ham star is used as an impact substitute by Martin Jol, giving rise to speculation linking him to clubs where the striking rosters are less competitive.

Ferdinand understands why Defoe's England ambitions might be enhanced by a move away from north London, but believes a possible formation change at Spurs could work in his favour this season.

He said: "Whether Jermain stays at Tottenham in the long term is something that he has to look at. Robbie Keane is playing well now. It's clear that the manager prefers a big man with a smaller player and it looks like Dimitar Berbatov is going to be the first choice as the target man this season.

Very sharp

"That leaves Martin Jol a straight choice between Keane and Defoe. Given how well Keane played last season, he is obviously going to start with Keane. So Jermain will need to make a decision about whether he is happy with that situation for the next year or so.

"I would like to see him stay because I am a Spurs supporter, but he has got to do what's right for his career. I went to the Sheffield United game last week when he came on for the last 10 minutes. I thought he looked very sharp, which is obviously a good sign.

"He's the kind of player who wants to be playing and there's been lots of talk about the manager playing him and Berbatov as a partnership with Keane in behind. I think it's a system that could work for Tottenham.

"Robbie is a very creative player who can make chances for others as well as himself. He could certainly play that position but it will be interesting to see what the manager does."

'Sir Les'

As well as McClaren's attacking conundrum, Ferdinand is also taking a close interest in the make-up of England's defence. He believes it is only a matter of months before his cousin Rio is joined by his other cousin, Anton - making it a hat-trick of Ferdinands to win full international call-ups.

Speaking at a Barclays football event in Edmonton, Les added: "Anton is knocking on the door. If he has another season like he did last year I would imagine that he would be playing for England before the end of 2006/7.

"The Allens were the last family to have so many players come through and play in the top flight. It would be tremendous for us - not only having
three of us representing England."

Despite finally hanging up his boots after a spell with Watford - his ninth league club - at the end of last season, Ferdinand is keen to stay in the game.

As well as media work, 'Sir Les' is studying for his Football Association coaching qualifications and is tempted by the idea of going into management.

He added: "I'm doing the courses and at the same time seeing how much I like it and, if I do, then I will give it a go."

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