Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes that Jermain Defoe is capable of taking over from Wayne Rooney for England at Euro 2012.

Fabio Capello will be in need of a replacement striker due to the Manchester United frontman's possible three-match ban following a red card offence during the Three Lions' final qualifying match against Montenegro.

"[Defoe's] an exceptional goal scorer," Friedel told talkSPORT. "Sometimes when you're against people one or two times a season you don't realise how good a striker they are.

"He's a very, very good finisher. He's so sharp and the link up play between him and [Emmanuel] Adebayor has been very good. I think he's got to be a sure pick for the Euros."

Meanwhile, Tottenham are preparing for a trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Sunday.