Defoe driven by Euro pain

Jermain Defoe looks certain to be the main man in England's two World Cup qualifiers and he is sure the painful memories of what happened last time he played in Zagreb will spur him on.

Defoe, who has started England's last three games and is expected to lead the line against Andorra on Saturday and Croatia next Wednesday, recalls the horrors of that 2-0 defeat, the hostile crowd, the poor pitch and Paul Robinson's infamous 'air shot'.

"I came on when we played Croatia in Zagreb the last time and I remember the pitch wasn't great," said the Portsmouth striker.

"Paul Robinson had an unlucky bounce which led to a goal but the main thing was that it was very hostile out there.

"They use that atmosphere to their advantage and I don't think they've been beaten at home for some time.

"The way I look at it, though, is that it is a great game in which to play. If we can go there and get a draw or even win then it would be great for everyone involved.