Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe wary of Gareth Bale threat when England meet Wales

England’s Jermain Defoe celebrates on his way to scoring a hat-trick against Bulgaria (Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe hopes to get one over his team mate Gareth Bale as they come face-to-face when England meet Wales at the Millennium stadium for the crunch Euro 2012 qualifier.

The England striker is aware of the threat that Bale possesses despite being sidelined with an injury for the past six weeks, and is taking nothing for granted.

He told Tottenham’s official website: “He’s their biggest threat, to be honest. When he gets the ball, he’s direct and he can beat players. His pace is phenomenal, his power.

“Even from set-pieces as well, he’s got a great left foot. He’s fresh because he’s just come back from injury.”

Defoe admitted that the Spurs winger fancied his chances against England on Saturday but hopes that he will have the last laugh.

He continued: “Gareth’s been giving me a lot of banter, so I just hope that we win the game and then I’ll look forward to going back to the club and giving the banter back!”

Defoe realises the importance of this match for both teams as Wales under new manager Gary Speed who will managing his side for the first time at the Millennium Stadium will want to turn around the country’s poor form having not picked up any points from their first three qualifying matches.

“This is a massive game, an international derby,” added Defoe. “I remember the atmosphere against Cardiff being mad and the stadium was rocking. I really enjoyed that.”

The Spurs striker hopes that England manager Fabio Capello gives him the opportunity to impress on Saturday. Defoe scored a fantastic double against Wolves recently and feels he can take this kind of form onto the international stage.

“Under Fabio Capello, my goalscoring record’s been good,” the 28 year-old continued.

“I’ve been given the opportunity and I’ve scored goals – and the manager knows that. I think he knows now what I can do and it’s a case of just waiting for my opportunity again.”