Tottenham hitman keen to keep impressing in an England shirt

England's Jermain Defoe shoots against Moldova. Photo credit: Owen Humphreys/PA wire

Saturday, September 8, 2012
9:34 AM

Jermain Defoe insisted he still has to prove himself for England despite marking his 50th England cap with a goal in the 5-0 thrashing of Moldova.

It was the Tottenham striker’s second goal in consecutive games as the Three Lions kick-started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a rare rout of one of the international game’s minnows.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard grabbed a double before the Spurs man struck, while James Milner and Leighton Baines also got on the scoresheet.

Defoe has not always enjoyed the support of previous England managers and it meant that last night’s start was his first in a competitive international for two years.

The 29-year-old hopes that his current vein of goalscoring form will keep him in the forefront of coach Roy Hodgson’s thoughts.

He said: “It was good to get a start, a 50th cap, a goal, a good win. It was a great night for me.

“It was important to win the game and to be patient but the early goal helped. To get a goal as well was fantastic.

“I’ve got two in two but I think everyone has got to keep proving themselves to be honest - not just me.

“I’m sure all the lads would say that as well.”