Defoe: England can remain unbeaten

England striker Jermain Defoe believes that England can enjoy an unbeaten campaign on the way to the 2014 World Cup.

The Tottenham ace, who started alone up front for Roy Hodgson’s men in the 1-1 draw with Ukraine on Tuesday, believes the team can qualify from Group H in the face of difficult fixtures away to Poland, Montenegro and Ukraine.

The 29-year-old, who continued to lead the line alone in the absence of Wayne Rooney, says the team have the right mentality to qualify, despite the Three Lions needing a late Frank Lampard penalty to rescue a point from defeat at Wembley.

“We’ve got a lot of games left to play. It doesn’t look like we’re going to get beaten, to be fair,” Defoe told reporters.

“We’re playing games and we believe we won’t get beaten. So that’s good we’ve got a winning mentality. (It’s) just unlucky that we didn’t actually win the game.”

Despite the disappointment of the scoreline and having a spectacular goal ruled out controversially for infringement in the build-up, Defoe played the full 90 minutes for the first time in 51 caps for the Three Lions.

“It’s always nice when you get to play, helps your confidence. I’m playing with good players. It makes it a lot easier,” he said.

“And even if I’m playing that lone role up front on my own, it’s not a problem. The lads get close to me, service is good, and it’s something I’m enjoying.”