Defoe attributes call-up to pre-season

Jermain Defoe thinks a gruelling pre-season training camp in France helped him break in to England's Euro 2012 squad.

Despite not being first choice for his club this season, Defoe has still managed to score 17 times - something he puts down to a punishing fitness programme he underwent last summer. Defoe flew to France to put himself through three gruelling sessions a day with fitness coach Tiberius Darau, who was recommended to him by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.

Defoe told Tottenham's website: "I'm delighted because I knew last summer I had a massive season coming up and I worked hard on my fitness to be as sharp as possible. I think that work has paid off."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.