Source: Sky Sports

Jermain Defoe has outlined his desire to establish himself in Steve McClaren's England squad.

The Tottenham star famously missed out on the chance to travel to the World Cup finals due to the shock inclusion of Theo Walcott, but has shrugged off his disappointment to impress so far this season.

Defoe produced a fine display in front of McClaren as Spurs lost 3-2 to Newcastle on Sunday, with his first-half goal making it 12 strikes in his last 17 starts.

After already appearing five times under the new national boss, and scoring twice in the rout of Andorra, Defoe is keen to cement his place as one of his country's top strikers.

"I always look to the next game, and that's Cardiff, but England is at the back of my mind and I just want to get in the squad and take it from there," said Defoe.

"Someone told me Steve McClaren was in the crowd, although I didn't actually know.

"I was pleased with my performance but it would've been nice to have won the game. When you score and win the game, it's much better."

Spurs were left shell-shocked as Newcastle engineered a surprise comeback at White Hart Lane, and the North Londoners now sit ten points behind bitter rivals Arsenal who occupy the last UEFA Champions League spot.

Spurs boss Martin Jol has admitted that his team are not as strong as last season and that ongoing challenges in the Uefa Cup, FA Cup and Carling Cup are compromising the club's efforts in the league.

"Last year we had a great chance because we didn't have any cups to focus on but this year there are so many important games in the cup," said Jol.

"Everyone says we have a team to be in the Champions League, I still feel the top four will be the top four at the end.

"We were the best of the rest last year and we want that again but I think that will be difficult with all these matches.

"We are not as strong as last year collectively, it's a team thing."