England Must Use In-Form Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe’s January move to Portsmouth has revitalized the talented English striker and arguably Portsmouth’s season.

One would say he was almost frozen out at Tottenham Hotspur, not only by Juande Ramos, but by Martin Jol before him. He was therefore left knowing it was time to move on and wherever he ended up, he had to make an impression. 

His long spell on the sidelines had cost him any chance of cementing an England place and as time went on, even a place in the squad. The summer signing of another striker, Darren Bent, would also have come as a huge blow to 25 year old Defoe. 

As things turned out however, the 16 million pound Bent sat unused just like Defoe on the White Hart Lane bench. When January finally arrived, there was talk of a move to Aston Villa, Newcastle United or even Manchester City, but the want away striker opted for Fratton Park. 

He bagged 43 goals in 139 Spurs appearances during his five year spell with the Londoners.  

Defoe has responded brilliantly since his move to the south coast with Portsmouth and has silenced his critics by hitting a rich vain of form.  

Portsmouth coach Harry Redknapp has been full of praise for his recent signing.

“He's always scored goals. If you look at him, his record over the years has always been incredible," Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"I said when I signed him here that if he plays regularly he'll be 20 goals guaranteed."

An incredible eight goals in just seven games has made everyone sit up and take notice. His stats for the season are just as impressive with 16 goals in ten starts with 16 sub appearances in the Barclay’s Premier League. 

All this however, was not good enough for Fabio Capello, who left him out of his final 23 against France.

I just don’t understand that logic, after all England didn’t score in France. 

Defoe went on to respond in the best possible fashion by bagging both goals in Portsmouth’s recent 2-0 win at home to Wigan Athletic.

With fellow England striker Michael Owen also returning to form it will continue to be a struggle for Defoe to get an England opportunity. Thanks to Capello, he has missed another golden opportunity to make an impact at international level. 

With 26 Caps already to his name, I’m sure Defoe hasn’t given up on adding to his tally of three England goals however.  

In my opinion, Jermaine Defoe has proven his credentials and now deserves that England opportunity!