Jermain Defoe had a special dedication after his winning goal for Italy, while Tom Cleverley enjoyed his England debut.

“It was one of my best and I would like to dedicate that goal to my cousin who died in St Lucia, it would have been their birthday today,” said Tottenham striker Defoe.

Jermain Defoe had a special dedication after his winning goal for Italy, while Tom Cleverley enjoyed his England debut.

“It was one of my best and I would like to dedicate that goal to my cousin who died in St Lucia, it would have been their birthday today,” said Tottenham striker Defoe.

He came off the bench to net the decisive curler after Phil Jagielka had wiped out a Daniele De Rossi opener in the 2-1 friendly.

“It was nice to come on and score but it was important to get a win so it was good.

“I think even if you speak to the lads with more caps than me they still want to prove themselves everytime they pull on an England shirt and prove things to the nation and to the Manager. I'm always looking to prove things.

“Every time I play I give 100 per cent and as a striker I am judged on goals and it is always nice to score for your country."

Italy fielded an experimental side, but Roy Hodgson also gave debuts to players like Cleverley in Berne. 

“It was a proud moment, and obviously a big occasion in any footballer’s life,” he said.

“I managed to get on the ball a few times, they made it hard for me in there and came in with some hard tackles and De Rossi is a good player but hopefully I have impressed the manager and can be called up again.

“I felt we looked after the ball today, we controlled the game in light spells and I knew my role. I played there against Senegal for Team GB in the Olympics, so I know the role well and I enjoyed it.”

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