Defoe set to follow in Owen's footsteps

The 21-year-old said: "Mr Eriksson keeps on saying the door is wide open for everyone so I just take him at his word.

"I think the game is a chance for all the young guys. The opportunity is there so we just have to grab it with both hands.

"Playing for England has always been at the back of my mind, it makes you focus. You have to be positive all the time which helps you when you are playing as well.

"I've just been concentrating on myself and trying to improve as a player. I have just got to keep working hard and scoring goals, then you never know what could happen."

Behind Owen, Defoe is arguably the nextbest predator at England's disposal, yet he has fallen below Aston Villa's Darius Vassell and Leeds' Alan Smith in Eriksson's pecking order.

Part of the problem was patchy form for a struggling West Ham side last season and the club's subsequent relegation to Division One. Despite an instant and ill-judged transfer request, Defoe was not sold until January when he joined Tottenham for £7million, plus Bobby Zamora.

The Beckton-born forward believes the switch to White Hart Lane - and an explosive return of four goals in his first three league games - has been the key factor in his elevation from England's Under-21 squad.

"At the time I thought it was the right decision and getting the call-up now just underlines it," he said.

"I really have enjoyed it at Spurs. The players and the staff have been great and the club is pushing on.

"In the first few games I think I did very well. The Premiership is one of the best leagues in the world so to score in it again is a great feeling.

"But getting called up is even better. I was speaking to my family on Sunday, saying 'Just a few months ago I was travelling to away games with West Ham. Look where I am going now.'

"It has happened really quickly but I am delighted and I am looking forward to it."

Now displaying the sort of form which saw him break John Aldridge's post- war league record by scoring in 10 consecutive league games in 2000, Defoe is anxious to make up for lost time.

Owen's hamstring injury has created a striking vacancy and, although Defoe is not guaranteed to start in Gothenburg, he is likely to be given the chance to impress at some point.

The transformation of Wayne Rooney from precocious teenager to England regular has proved that Eriksson is not afraid of blooding young talent. And several of Defoe's England Under-21 teammates have already shown him the way.

He added: "It's not only Wayne. Jermaine Jenas has been in a few squads and had his opportunity. There is also Joe Cole. You look at players like that and you just want to follow in their footsteps."

But if Defoe can leave his mark on Sweden tomorrow, he may start to dream of filling some even more prestigious boots.