Jermain Defoe admitted that he is glad that he did not undergo a groin operation after bagging a hat-trick for England.
The 27-year-old was expected to go under the knife after Tottenham’s Champions League win against Young Boys but decided against it.
Defoe said of his operation: “I’m glad I didn’t have it now!
“It’s been a little bit sore to be honest, but I’ve done a lot of work in the gym – a lot of core work – to try to improve it and I didn’t get a reaction.”
He limped off after completing his hat-trick against Bulgaria but insisted that it was due to a slight knock on his ankle.
“It’s fine. Just a precaution,” he added.
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