Harry Redknapp wants Jermain Defoe for England

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp believes that Jermain Defoe has the chance to be included in England's Euro 2012 squad.

The 65-year-old coach, who has been widely tipped to become the new Three Lions boss, could be making the national squad selection himself in the summer.

While Aston Villa frontman Darren Bent is a huge doubt for the tournament after undergoing ankle surgery, Redknapp believes that Spurs forward Defoe could take his place.

"I am sure [Defoe] could [make the squad]," said Redknapp. "There is a shortage of strikers if you look at England now, it's certainly a problem position.

"Darren Bent is out for the season, so suddenly you look at that and you think [Defoe] has every chance of going."

Defoe has had a mismatched season at White Hart Lane due to dropping down the ranks in the squad.