Defoe fired up for Moldova

Jermain Defoe says England will not take their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier in Moldova lightly.

Despite 134 places separating the teams in the FIFA rankings, Defoe has warned Friday’s fixture could pose a tough challenge for the visitors.

“At this level, every game is difficult,” Defoe said.

“I can imagine when we go there, they’ll make it hard for us and maybe sit behind the ball and try and frustrate us.

“Over the years I’ve played in games – particularly away from home – where you go to the so-called smaller countries and it’s difficult to get the first goal.”

With fellow strikers Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll notable absentees because of injury, Tottenham’s Defoe could be used as a lone striker in Moldova.

“I have been playing as a lone striker up front for my club, and I think when you have good midfielders behind you it is not a problem,” Defoe said.

“If you are a lone striker your movement in the area has got to be good and when you get a chance you have to take it. It doesn’t bother me if I do have to play that role.”

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain said there was no pressure on individual positions to avoid a goal drought.

“We’re playing for England, so as soon as we cross the white line we’ve got a collective responsibility on our shoulders,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

“I think there’s goals all over the team. In the last game, (Everton defender) Phil Jagielka scored, so there’s goals from centre-backs and set plays as well.”