England put their faith in J-League

Arsenal's Jermaine Pennant is the lynchpin of the trio. He played against Jermaine Jenas at primary school level in Nottingham and with him for Saturday and county teams.

The pair then met Defoe at England Under-15 trials. Now Defoe and Pennant live 15 minutes apart in Essex, visiting each other regularly.

This week, talk has inevitably turned to the future and whether they can all make the grade at full international level.

"We have talked about it," said Pennant. "It would be brilliant to all break through to the senior team together at the same time. We are not that far away and if we can carry on progressing there is no reason we cannot do that.

"We have a great understanding on the pitch. We also know what each other is capable of and because we are close we can say if someone has had a bad game. We tell them if they have played well too."

It is unusual for three young footballers at different clubs - Jenas is at Newcastle - to have such a bond and it must be unique for them to share the same Christian name.

" I don't think we are named after anyone famous. Our parents just liked the name. But Jenas and I spell our names right. I don't know what Defoe is doing spelling his name like he does (without the final e)."

Although the three play in different positions, they share an attacking style. Pennant, the speedy wide man, started with Notts County and made the move to Highbury aged 16 for a fee which could reach £1 million.

Striker Defoe started at Charlton and moved to Upton Park, also at 16. West Ham agreed to pay compensation of up to £1.65m.

Both transfers were controversial, highlighting the role of middle men and enticements in the frantic scramble to sign up teenage talent.

Jenas, the creative central midfielder, has avoided similar controversy, staying with Nottingham Forest until shortly before his 19th birthday last February when he joined Newcastle for £5m.

"I moved a bit later than the other two so that is probably why the transfer was bigger but when we are together we don't talk about money," he said.

He is the junior of the three in terms of experience with two Under-21 caps, compared with Pennant's nine and Defoe's 10.

"I think knowing each other has helped us progress. Moving into a new squad is not easy but because they were already there I feel like I have been around for years. We have got different experiences and we talk to each other about certain games but sometimes the emphasis can be too much about football.

"When the three of us go away or are together we can relax and enjoy ourselves a bit more and that is important at a tournament like this. It helps you play to your potential."

While only Defoe has significant Premiership experience, scoring 14 goals for West Ham last season, all three believe they are about to make the breakthrough into regular firstteam football. But for now their focus is on England, who follow tonight's game with matches against Italy and Portugal.

Defoe and Pennant have decided to room together for the duration of the tournament.

"Pennant and I always room together," said Defoe. "We know each other's bad habits.

"He stays up playing computer games into the early hours and I have woken up in the middle of the night to find him still playing. Then he does not get up for breakfast. He is definitely the worst one of the three."

Pennant chips in: "Defoe's worst habit is that he wanders around the room in the nude and does not care if people are coming in and out." In small-sided training games where the players pick their own teams, they are always on the same side.

Jenas said: "People notice and the coaches take the mickey, saying they will split us up."

In a few years' time it is quite possible that England's coaches will be doing all they can to keep them together.

Switzerland v England
7.15pm, tonight, Hardturm Stadium, Zurich
Live on Channel 5