The Guardian's Dominic Fifield wrote: ‘Martin Jol is backing Defoe to force his way into Steve McClaren's England squad.'
The striker, overlooked this summer, was replaced in the second half and Tottenham reverted to a different formation, with five across the midfield and young Jamie O'Hara supporting the targetman.
Jol, who has said already he will start with a totally different line-up tonight against Nice in Thonon, said: "He started tonight because we needed him. He had another couple of chances but the first thing he did was score a goal, so what else could I ask for?"