JJ Backs The English

Martin Jol's expensively assembled squad includes an English spine of Paul Robinson, Ledley King, Michael Carrick, Jenas and Jermain Defoe.

Jenas: "We have an abundance of good young English players and that can only benefit us. If you look at Chelsea and the success they have had with people like John Terry and Frank Lampard, it's important to have that English core.

"They've been around it before. English players know what this league is all about. Sometimes it's more difficult for foreign players to understand it all."

The England international joined Spurs from Newcastle in a £7 million deal and has started five games for Jol's third place Londoners.