Defoe is determined to make the most of his England chance

After being named in England's squad to face Ukraine on Wednesday, he said: "Michael is a great player.

"I have played with him before and I am sure if we get another chance to link up things will go well for us.

"I am just delighted to be called up to the squad and hopefully if I get a chance then I will do my best."

I am still young and being in the squad is really good for me Jermain Defoe Beckham wary for Eriksson

Defoe admitted he was disappointed at narrowly missing out on a place in England's squad for the recent Euro 2004 campaign.

He added: "I was the 24th man and was involved in the squad so it was really difficult to go home.

"I went to see my grandparents in the Caribbean and I watched all the Euro games.

"I wished I could have been there with the boys but they did very well and I enjoyed watching the games.

"I am still young and being in the squad is really good for me, although I've still got a lot to learn."