Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says England coach Fabio Capello enjoys the banter among the players.

Italian disciplinarian Capello has a reputation for being stern and strict with players and media alike.

However, Tottenham forward Defoe and team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips insist there is a jovial spirit within the camp.

Defoe told FATV: "Obviously he is extremely disciplined but the manager is cool, he's got good banter.

"He joins in and is always laughing and stuff. But when we're training, we've got to do it right."

Wright-Phillips added: "There's loads of banter, especially around the dinner table when we're chilling and socialising."

The Manchester City winger was delighted to get his chance in the 1-1 draw with the United States on Saturday, when he was a first-half substitute for the off-colour James Milner.

"I didn't expect it to happen so soon," he admitted. "It was a very good surprise, I couldn't have wanted any more than that.

"It was a step getting here and then another giant step to actually get on the pitch and play for the country in such a big tournament."