'Hard work paid off' - Defoe delighted to make Euro 2012 squad

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is “delighted” to make England's Euro 2012 squad despite not being a regular starter for his club this season.

Despite playing back-up to Emanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart for the majority of the campaign, the diminutive striker plundered an impressive 11 Premier League goals in just 11 starts.

The 29-year-old has put down his impressive goalscoring record this season to extra training that he put in last pre-season, on the recommendation of good friend, and former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright.

"I'm delighted because I knew last summer I had a massive season coming up,” Defoe told Tottenham’s official website.

“I worked hard on my fitness to be as sharp as possible and I think that work has paid off."

Defoe was a part of the England squad that failed under Fabio Capello in the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, but the tournament in Poland and the Ukraine will be his first experience of a European Championships.

"I thought the 2010 World Cup was a fantastic experience and to have the opportunity to represent England at another major tournament is amazing," Defoe added.

"I always remember watching the tournaments on TV, watching Euro 96 and to be part of it now is something special."