• Premier League

Defoe: AVB could cost me a World Cup place

ESPN staff
November 17, 2013
Jermain Defoe recently became Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer in Europe © Getty Images
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Jermain Defoe believes a lack of action for Tottenham is hindering his chances of a place in England's World Cup squad.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has persisted in picking summer signing Roberto Soldado for Premier League games, while Defoe has started just one match in the English top flight this season.

Defoe recently became Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer in Europe and, despite having scored nine times in eight starts, Villas-Boas has overlooked the England striker throughout the club's league campaign.

The 31-year-old indicated his manager's decision to deny him regular action could harm his chances of impressing England boss Roy Hodgson.

"Getting into a World Cup squad is based on merit and you have to play for your club," Defoe told the Sun. "If you are not getting the opportunities to play, it will be difficult.

"Frank Lampard got it right when he said the other day that everyone is fighting for places. It's important that everyone goes back to their clubs and plays games to try to impress the manager."

It was recently reported that Defoe's former club West Ham United are interested in resigning the striker during the January transfer window.

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