Brad Friedel backs Jermain Defoe for England

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes that Jermain Defoe is capable of taking over from Wayne Rooney for England at Euro 2012.

Fabio Capello will be in need of a replacement striker due to the Manchester United frontman's possible three-match ban following a red card offence during the Three Lions' final qualifying match against Montenegro.

"[Defoe's] an exceptional goal scorer," Friedel told talkSPORT. "Sometimes when you're against people one or two times a season you don't realise how good a striker they are.

"He's a very, very good finisher. He's so sharp and the link up play between him and [Emmanuel] Adebayor has been very good. I think he's got to be a sure pick for the Euros."

Meanwhile, Tottenham are preparing for a trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Sunday.