REDKNAPP TIPS JERMAIN

TOTTENHAM v STEVENAGE Live on ESPN, Kick-off 7.30pm

HARRY REDKNAPP has tipped Jermain Defoe to solve England’s Euro striker crisis – despite dropping him down the pecking order at Spurs.

Redknapp has started Defoe once since he freshened his attack on deadline day but plays him tonight as Louis Saha needed fluid drained off his knee after weekend action.

Defoe will start in the FA Cup fifth-round replay against Stevenage looking to add to his 13 goals this season.

That is a better scoring record than Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Fraizer Campbell, who were all in England’s last squad.

Wayne Rooney is banned for the first two European Championship games – and Redknapp believes could fill the gap.

“I am sure that he could,” said the Tottenham boss. “There is a shortage of strikers, isn’t there?

“If you look at England, Bent is out for the season. So he has every chance. It is certainly a problem position for England.”

Gareth Bale has recovered from illness and looks set to start alongside Scott Parker, who is back from suspension.

Upsets

Defoe

Stevenage manager Gary Smith believes his side can cause one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history by beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane tonight.

“Nobody will give us a chance of getting a result,” ex-arsenal scout Smith said.

Boro were a non-league club this time two years ago but Smith gives his team a chance.

“There will be a hell of a lot of belief that they can hold this Tottenham side at bay, and maybe scramble a result.

“Whether it be in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.”

The winners host Bolton in the last eight on March 17.