Jermain Defoe plays down chances of England start

On the mark: Jermain Defoe
10 April 2012

Jermain Defoe refuses to predict whether he has forced his way into the England starting line-up for the opening World Cup clash with the United States on Saturday.

Defoe pressed his claims by scoring the opening goal in England's 3-0 win over the Platinum Stars in their final warm-up game.

In contrast, Peter Crouch struggled to make an impact and Emile Heskey clearly lacked sharpness after not featuring against Mexico and merely as a late substitute against Japan.

Only Wayne Rooney of the other front players did himself justice.

Defoe said: "I don't know if I've done enough. That's up to the manager.

"As a forward, scoring goals is the job you've got to do. If you can't do that, then you've got to work hard and look sharp."

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