Spurs star desperate to claim victory against ‘dark horses’ France

Tottenham star Jermain Defoe is desperate for England to make a winning start at Euro 2012 when they face France in Donetsk tonight.

The Three Lions have never won an opening game at a European Championship and the Spurs striker knows that they face a difficult task against Laurent Blanc’s side.

“It’s going to be a tough game. France are a great footballing nation, they’ve got great players. But I don’t think it’s a bad thing playing such a tough team in our first game,” Jermain told Spurs TV.

“I think if you win a difficult game like that, it brings confidence to the camp going into the next game.

“Of late France haven’t done too well at tournaments, but I think they are dark horses at Euro 2012.

“It’s important at a tournament to get off to good start. I think that if we can do that, it will help hugely with the following matches.”