Matt Dickinson in The Times writes, ‘Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch have the chance to cement their places against Andorra on September 2, with Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two European Championship qualifiers and Michael Owen out through injury.'
Defoe told England's official website: "Missing out on the World Cup was obviously a massive blow, but I just had to be strong minded and professional and get on with it. Coming back this pre-season has been good, I've scored goals, felt sharp and I've worked really hard. I think I've played seven games already and I've really enjoyed it."
"It's funny, I think I've played with Crouchy before for the Under-21s and in training we were playing up front together. It was unfortunate for Deano (Ashton) and I felt sorry for him. I have watched him quite a lot and his record for the Under-21s was unbelievable and at club level as well. He's done well at West Ham and he deserved to be in the squad."
Defoe can now go head-to-head with Charlton's Darren Bent, who made his senior debut in March. Meanwhile, Theo Walcott was consigned to the Under 21's after being named ahead of both marksmen at the World Cup. Walcott scored against Moldova but Preston forward David Nugent, who lined up alongside the youngster, said afterwards, "He was a bit nervous, a bit shy. He must have been terrified in the summer with all the big stars." (The Times)