Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe hopes for an injury-free season to break into the England World Cup squad.

"There is plenty of competition to get on the plane but it does not bother me," he stated. "I know what I have to do to get to the World Cup and I will do whatever it takes to get on that plane.

"This is a massive year for me. I am 26 and I feel strong and sharp and want to get off to a good start to the season.

"It's a massive season with the World Cup at the end of it and especially after what happened to me last time when I didn't go it was massive blow. I want to make sure I am on the plane this time. The prospect of getting there fires me on even more.

"I have fire in my stomach and I want to push on and make sure I have a great season. Hopefully I will stay injury-free."