Jermaine Defoe hit the target again for England
England striker Emile Heskey would have no complaints if Jermain Defoe started against Croatia on Wednesday.
Tottenham star Defoe has seven goals in six appearance for club and country this season, including the decisive strike in the 2-1 friendly win against Slovenia on Saturday.
England boss Fabio Capello tends to prefer the physical presence of Heskey, but the Aston Villa forward said: "You can't complain (if Defoe starts). Jermain has done brilliantly. Every time he comes on the pitch he scores a goal. That's the main thing.
"We're in competition but it's good competition. It puts you on your toes knowing you've got to do well."
Heskey also defended Wayne Rooney, who was criticised by the Slovenian players after winning a penalty for the opener at Wembley.
"The lad was pulling his shirt," he said. "Sometimes they're given, sometimes they're not.
"Hopefully Wayne can continue with his form for years to come. He's a great player. He appreciates everyone. He's a provider as well as a finisher."
Capello's men can seal their place at the World Cup if they defeat Croatia at Wembley.
Gareth Barry has told Croatia to forget about mind games ahead of the qualifier - because the pressure is all on them to get a result.
Barry has laughed off talk of a conspiracy to injure Luka Modric and, as one of the survivors of two years ago when Slaven Bilic's side denied them a place at Euro 2008, is focused on showing how far England have come under Capello.
The Manchester City midfielder knows England are in the driving seat after seven wins from as many World Cup qualifiers, while Croatia need to maintain their hopes of a play-off place to reach South Africa.
"This game is completely different to two years ago," Barry said. "The pressure is on them. They know we can qualify on the night and the pressure is on them."
As for talk of deliberately sidelining Modric, Barry added: "We've laughed at a comment like that. It's something that doesn't go on."
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