Rare start for Defoe

Jermain Defoe was handed a rare start for Tottenham as England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson looked on from the stands at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old’s hopes of inclusion in Eriksson’s 23-man World Cup squad have faded due to a lack of action this season, but he was given an opportunity to impress as Mido was sidelined by a groin injury.

Spurs were also without the suspended Michael Dawson as they kept up their fight for fourth place in the Barclays Premiership.

Everton were without Tony Hibbert at right-back and Mikel Arteta in midfield but had Simon Davies back against his former club and Matteo Ferrari on the bench.

Everton boss David Moyes has pleaded with Eriksson to venture north to watch Phil Neville and James Beattie and today the Swede had accepted the invitation.

Everton: Wright, Neville, Yobo, Stubbs, Naysmith, Osman, Carsley, Cahill, Davies, McFadden, Beattie. Subs: Turner, Weir, Ferguson, Kilbane, Ferrari.

Tottenham: Robinson, Stalteri, Gardner, King, Lee, Lennon, Carrick, Jenas, Tainio, Keane, Defoe. Subs: Cerny, Davids, Murphy, Davenport, Barnard.

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)