Defoe - A Jermain Appraisal

It is regrettable that some sections of the press seem to be capable only of extremes when responding to an England game and nowhere is that better illustrated than in their judgement of the performance of Jermain Defoe against Andorra.

Fortunately for Defoe, the present England manager (unlike his predecessor) seems to rate him highly – even though he has for some time been unable to command a regular place in the Tottenham team. It therefore comes as no surprise that his display at Old Trafford has been acclaimed by both management and media as a two goal triumph. The question is, was it?

Let’s start with the goals. On the face of it, they looked impressive enough. The first, in the 38th minute, saw Defoe surge forward to volley in a tremendous right flank cross from Gerrard and just after half-time he seized on a long header from Neville and sneaked behind a statuesque Andorran rearguard for an easy finish.

That leaves just two problems. To begin with, how much credit should we give to a player who scores two good looking goals against a back line that seems as though it has been spirited away from a Burtons window display? And secondly, what about the ones that got away? Two in particular stand out. Early in the game, Defoe had a chance to open his account but after a good first touch he screwed his shot nervously wide. And just before the interval he blundered again when he missed from 7 yards after being gifted the ball by a suicidal back header from an Andorran defender.

The harsh truth is that Jermain Defoe will achieve credibility as an England striker only when in a run of games against genuine international competition he scores, and makes, goals on a regular basis.

And when he no longer has to struggle for his place in a Spurs team which is a long way from being the best in the land.