GO WITH DEFOE ... Spurs ace fires in a shot that just flies wide

JERMAIN DEFOE is gearing up to make a massive impact at Euro 2012.

The Spurs striker came off the bench to give an impressive second-half display and hit a post in Saturday’s win against Belgium.

Defoe, 29, is considered by many pundits to be the “fourth choice” forward in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Poland and Ukraine.

But if England need a late leveller in a crunch game then the new boss is most likely to turn to the Tottenham man.

Defoe said: “I always try my best in every game.

“At any tournament you need players who will start the games but you also need those that can come on and make an impact — especially if a big match goes to extra time.

“You get to semi-finals and, hopefully, finals and then fatigue kicks in.

“When you sit on the substitutes’ bench you have got to just stay focused. You might get a chance to win the game later, you never know.

“So it’s very important to keep sharp, watch the game at all times and try to make an impact when you come on. I believe I can do that for the team.”

Defoe, who came on for Ashley Young during Saturday’s 1-0 win against Belgium, has pedigree at coming to his country’s rescue.

He did so during their doomed 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa by scoring the goal against Slovenia which saw the Three Lions avoid an even more humiliating exit than they ultimately suffered.

Defoe has 47 caps — but a record 30 of those have come as a substitute.

He added: “It’s always nice to play for your country and I was delighted to get on.

“When I got that shot off, I thought it was in but it hit the post.

“Hopefully, when I get over to the Euros, that one will go in.

“This squad is probably a better mix than the one which went to South Africa.

“A lot of the younger lads have come through, which is really good to be honest — they really have a lot of energy. After the season ended we all had a little rest — about 10 days off — so I think that helped as well.

“There is always going to be pressure, not only in championships but in the games in general. We’re a great footballing nation and we’ve got great players.

“It’s important for the players to just enjoy it. This is why you play football — to play for your country and to play in major tournaments. The manager has said to us, ‘Go there and just enjoy it and do the country proud’.

“There’s a really good feeling representing your country at a major tournament.

“Having played the one before, having experienced it, I just want it again.

“Hopefully, this time around, we get off to a good start and we do well because I think everyone deserves it.”