Euro 2012: England Need to Make the Most of Game-Changer Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe’s 24-minute cameo late in the second half of England’s 1-0 win over Belgium last weekend caught the attention of many who seemed to have forgotten he was even in his country’s Euro 2012 squad.

With Wayne Rooney absent for the Group D games versus France and Sweden, the general consensus has been Roy Hodgson will select either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll as his side’s primary striker.

Given their respective decent showings in England’s last two friendlies, Defoe’s own appearance against Belgium will likely not have been enough to convince Hodgson he should be the one starting in Rooney’s absence.

However, it did serve as a timely reminder of his value to an England squad that, while shaping up nicely defensively, is still searching for, or at least is refining, its attacking identity.

Defoe brings movement and speed that can be utilised on the counterattack (as seen in an exchange with Theo Walcott, which ended with Defoe firing at the side-netting), which is useful given the hints in England’s friendly performances that have suggested they might set up to attack the French like this.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward is equally adept at using his attributes in tighter confines in and around the penalty area, too. Defoe’s ability to get off a shot in such scenarios was on display against Belgium, when he manoeuvred into space before firing against the post.

Defoe has shown his international class

A primary concern about England heading into the tournament has been whether they will create the necessary chances for their forwards to capitalise on.

That is something we will have to wait until the opening game to see. Hodgson rightly used the two friendlies to work on the shape of his team, for England need a foundation to build upon in the first place.

As already stated, the likelihood is England will proceed with one of Welbeck (fast and strong) or Carroll (powerful, good aerially). These are two players who will certainly do their job in leading the line and giving their team an outlet to work off or indeed aim for.

It is understandable Hodgson will opt for either of these first given how they can be deployed in the game plan he has in mind for his team. However, the manager cannot be afraid to change it up if things are not working. This is where Defoe can be extremely valuable.

If the Belgium game worked as a reminder, there is enough evidence from throughout the 29-year-old’s international career of a striker capable of responding well when the situation requires him to.

Defoe showed his comfort in the environs of a major tournament at the last World Cup, scoring the vital winner in England’s final group game against Slovenia, earning them a 1-0 win.

He looked to be one of the few performers not shackled by the pressures and unfamiliarity of the competition, something that bodes well for any involvement at the European Championships.

There is also something to be said about the types of goal Defoe can score, too. The one against Slovenia demonstrated his movement, as he got across his marker to finish James Milner’s fine cross.

Further back, in a World Cup qualifier against Poland in 2004, there was a goal that underlined his skill and awareness in the penalty box, attributes certainly required at international level.

Receiving David Beckham’s pass, Defoe controlled and turned, teasing his defender with the briefest glimpse of the ball before guiding it perfectly round into his path before shooting past Jerzy Dudek.

A man in form

Fifteen goals in 47 England appearances is a decent return for a striker, especially for one who has been and out of the squad with little opportunity to put together a run.

Defoe has shown himself to be a capable player in the international game and, despite not being a regular starter for Tottenham this season, is going into the tournament in some of the best form of his life.

Seventeen goals this season (11 in the Premier League) is a solid return for the top level, but where Defoe has really excelled this past campaign is in the rejuvenation of the aspects of his game that make him such a good striker.

His finishing has been sharp once more after a poor 2010/11 season (admittedly hindered by injuries) whilst his movement has never been better.

That latter part of his game has been marked by an increased work ethic. Not only is he more aware of spaces in the final third, there were several games this season where Defoe contributed excellently in deeper positions.

It is all evidence of a striker that may not be the man to carry England at Euro 2012, but of one certainly capable of being the game-changer they will almost certainly need at some point.