JERMAIN DEFOE insists he is the man to fill the hole left by banned Wayne Rooney at Euro 2012.

Spurs striker Defoe showed he has lost none of his predatory instincts by bagging his fifth goal of the season after coming on as a sub at Newcastle on Sunday.

With Rooney missing the Three Lions' first three games in Poland and Ukraine next summer, boss Fabio Capello needs an on-fire hotshot.

Defoe, 29, has bagged 15 England goals in 46 appearances since making his international debut in 2004 and is desperate to force his way back into Capello's plans.

He said: "When I'm fit and sharp and in the form I'm in now, I can score at that level.

"My England record is good and I was disappointed not to be in the squad for the Montenegro game.

"It makes you more hungry. The manager knows what I can do, especially playing at the World Cup and having that experience, so I look forward to seeing what happens.

"But I'll do whatever it takes to get on the plane, like I did last time."