"If you play that badly for England you HAVE to accept the criticism!" ⚽ Jermain Defoe | Up Front

On today’s episode, we are joined by one of the most clinical finishers to ever grace the Premier League.
Tottenham favourite Jermain Defoe is one of the top 10 goal scorers in Premier League history and has represented England 57 times, featuring and scoring in major tournaments, before crowning his illustrious career by helping Rangers to bring the Scottish title back to Ibrox for the first time in a decade.
Jermain sits down with Simon to talk about his England career and give his honest opinion on the current England squad, focusing on their performances at the Euros and the criticism they’ve faced. He also opens up about his special relationship with young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery before discussing his future in the game.
Despite his illustrious career and his experience as a coach in the Tottenham academy, Jermain has struggled to enter the world of management, experiencing resistance and rejection along the way. He joins the show to discuss his future prospects and the difficult journey black former players experience when swapping the pitch for the dugout.
Join Simon for this insightful conversation with Jermain Defoe.
Subscribe for future episodes.
18+ please gamble responsibly.
00:00 Introduction to Jermain Defoe
01:01 Jermain’s journey to becoming a footballer
04:57 Jermain’s England career
9:55 England under Gareth Southgate / Euro 2024
18:39 England players reaction to the criticism
24:26 What is success for England in Euro 2024
26:26 Bradley Lowery
34:56 Looking back at his career
37:51 What’s next for Jermain?
39:25 The lack of opportunities for black former players experience in management
50:22 The perception of Jermain Defoe
"If you play that badly for England you HAVE to accept the criticism!" ⚽ Jermain Defoe | Up Front
#upfront #simonjordan #jermaindefoe #england #tottenham

[@DanielJakeman]

My son died from neuroblastoma aged 4. What Jermaine did for Bradley was absolutely outstanding and would have meant so much to him. Respect !

[@adlalamb6229]

I can only imagine the mental toughness you must have to get through that mate, I hope your pain eases over time

[@user-si3rc4ut8s]

Defoe is an all round class act.

[@ZacharyShahan]

1000% should be able to get a manager job and climb up the ranks. In the middle of the video was thinking that, and then got to the end…. Really hope he gets through. There is no doubt institutional racism/racism that he has to get through, but really hope he does, because he comes across as someone who *should* be a PL manager.

[@ricardobarclay439]

Simon showed Jermain great respect and allowed him to feel confident in the now and future. Brilliant watch and insight into Jermain’s character

[@carti1XO]

As a gooner, I can happily say Defo is one of the best Strikers I've ever seen in the prem

[@tournaline3448]

Agreed. Scored some absolute crackers and always caused us problems. Underrated.

[@topgazza]

I agree. Best we’ve had since Greaves in terms of natural goal scorer. Loved watching him play at Spurs

[@carti1XO]

@@topgazza loved watching him at Pompey and Sunderland. Envied watching him at Spurs.

[@topgazza]

@@carti1XO He was great at Pompey and Sunderland. Not forgetting West Ham. Just a quality footballer 😀

[@Midge-xn9tp]

I wanted Liverpool to sign him back in the day, decent fella,he,'ll do just fine

[@coletrickle7248]

Simon admiration for Jermaine shows. It’s like a father talking to his son about taking opportunities and never giving up.

[@user-si3rc4ut8s]

Yeah, I really felt like he wants Defoe to succeed and was trying to give him a boost to persevere.

[@gcash992k1]

Yep because Dafoe has got graft fortitude humility intelligence …everything these current crop of England players don’t have and what Simon appreciates. Brilliant interview

[@dannoscfc]

@@gcash992k1 don’t talk absolute shite

[@AdilAlamoudi-jx4nl]

@@user-si3rc4ut8sppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp😊pp😊pp😊pppppp😊pppppppppppp😊ppppppppppppppppppppp😊ppppp😊ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp😊ppppp😊ppp😊pp😊ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp😊pppppppp😊pppppppppppp

[@AdilAlamoudi-jx4nl]

@@gcash992k1ppppp😊pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp😊pppppp😊p😊pppppppppppppppppppppppppp😊pp😊p😊pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp😊pppppppppppppppppppp😊pp😊pp😊p😊😊😊😊pppp

[@mrmonkey2214]

Possibly one of the best spoken footballers I've listened to in an interview. I had tears rolling down my face listening to Jermaine talking about Bradley. Good interview. 👍

[@zofo666]

As a Sunderland fan i NEVER expected this guy to leave such a legacy up here,absolute legend!

[@JCsAdvocate]

Simon Jordan is an absolute legend! Could listen to him all day!

[@deancurson1345]

Defoe was a real player , great striker but more importantly I've just learnt he's also a well centred great man and I personally hope he's given the opportunity he deserves

[@AF_140]

What an interview and hope we see Defoe get to where he wants to go 🤞🏼 One of my favourite Spurs players of all time

[@SteveDavid-pw4lh]

I’ve never seen Simon not challenge someone. But that’s when you’ve got to hand it to Jermaine. He didn’t stutter, there were no urms, he answered everything in a very concise manner. He obviously comes from a good background.

[@johngreen8996]

This is the first time I have watched Simon do anything like this. I must say that I'm very impressed at the way he brought out the character of Jermaine. He not only put over what made him who he is but why. He was not only a brilliant footballer but a deep thinker on life and the game. I know the hard work he put into the game, and I am sure someone someday will give him the opportunity to coach or manage. I am certain that if he gets the chance he will make a success of it.

[@davidscargil9145]

I too,have a gut feeling that He would. His players would love Him and want to give their all to impress Him Simon Jordan was brilliant.

[@markedwards3262]

I agree this was an ‘Up Front’ interview that broke new ground.

[@anthonymcpeak2234]

Top player.....even better person! This from a Celtic man.....pure class act.

[@rjworldsportsnews]

Really enjoyed this one - great guy and unbelievable striker, felt so sorry for him with England I was always crying out for him to play more

[@LoveLove-bc9np]

Defeo has a heart of gold and I can never forget the gifts you gave me and my colleagues in London whilst I was a staff member in a hotel. You are an angel and you did it humbly with grace. Thank you

[@chrismiller6317]

As a Gooner I so badly wanted you to come to Arsenal and that goes back to when you were at Bournemouth one of our best strikers without a doubt,Jermaine that was astounding what you did for Bradley and his family,you were that lad’s guardian angel it was a wonderful gift you gave that boy it’s called TIME,something so simple and yet it’s more important than money & material things if you are not proud of what you did then you should be,God Bless to you and your family and of course to Bradley’s family,Rest In Peace little man ❤️❤️👍👍👏👏🙏🙏

[@justinchetham-strode5234]

I really liked Defoe as a player, and never understood why one club after another was ready to let him go so easily. And what he did for the little kid Bradley made me really like him as a man. Jermain Defoe is a real class act. I wish him all the best.

[@WoodyWanderer]

Loved Defoe as a player . Also what he did for the little kid Bradley was real class. England players can’t take criticism because they’ve been bigged up so much it’s hard for them to take now . Anyone can see how bad we’ve been playing but they won’t accept it

[@Twads1867]

Think this is probably my favourite interview Simon has done. Jermaine is a great guy. Fantastic player, brilliant attitude, and the stuff about Bradley is really special. Hope he gets his opportinity.

[@davidscargil9145]

What a great conversation. I`ve always liked Jermain Defoe,as a footballer and as a human being . After watching this,i would love to have Him as a Friend. I hope that He fulfills His dreams. I must also commend Simon Jordan on His skills as an interviewer.I doubt that will go unnoticed.

[@aaranmudie5584]

What a role model JD is loved him at Rangers big love for this man

[@alfredlear4141]

I didn't intend to watch this in one sitting, but I did. Fantastic stuff, what a true gent Jermaine is ❤ This is why I am a subscriber, little gems pop up all the time

[@wunkay1209]

JD is just exemplary. He even made Simon appear likeable during this 😂

[@Moog-kn6xv]

Class act. He will always be loved by Rangers fans 💙

[@jackreacher5375]

I'm an Arsenal fan, Jermain Defoe was a top player. I wish he had played for Arsenal. He's a good guy as well, I hope he has a successful managerial career. Good luck Bro 👍 👍 👍 💓

[@anthonysinclair4114]

Simon- your guests are all so incredibly interesting. What a great show. Thanks you so much for doing this.

[@harrisonlillis9377]

Fantastic interview! Great bit of tough love from Simon at the end, I wish Jermaine all the success in his management journey

[@warriorrob1]

What a great example of being a good man and human. Hard working , humble, confident and selfless. The attributes we all wish we had and when no ones around.

[@mauriziodellapietra8891]

What a great guy he is apart from a brilliant striker. I hope he gets his break

[@terryduckworth5105]

Haven’t watched this yet but what Defoe did for Bradley Lowery and his family deserves so much respect!

[@markedwards3262]

That was a genuinely insightful interview and showed a different side of Jermain. Simon made him consider the importance of perspective and how he can assume the demeanour of a leader rather than just an ex-player. Defoe has the qualities of knowing you have to work and be willing to examine yourself and make changes. I sincerly hopes he takes something from this interview and comes back with a belief that he can become a manager and takes consistent and persistent action to make it. Well done to both Jermaine and Smon, this was not a vacuous social media interview.

[@johnnyboy2268]

As a Spurs fan - I love Defoe and have grown to appreciate him outside of being a footballer (from what I have seen). The guy is a class act.

[@twonumbernines7866]

As a Sunderland fan I didn’t think I could love Jermain more for what he did on and off the pitch, would’ve loved you as manager too. But especially what you did for Bradley was truly special. Legend.

[@Glassy1979]

Great interview. Underrated player and a top bloke

[@mattwhite6291]

Fantastic episode, I hope Jermaine gets an opportunity to Manage a team and be successful. Well done Simon good interview 👏👏👏👏

[@fionacavalier]

Emotional listening to him talking about bradley, such a good interview, great respect for jermaine

[@rickyeiles6618]

This was a brilliant interview. Keep them coming Simon.

[@ando6425]

A fantastic footballer but more importantly a beautiful human being.

[@anthonypaterson7066]

Very Very good interview. JD is humble man, do not believe he could hurt anyone by intent. Fingers crossed he can jump enough hoops to succeed in his ambition.

[@KingBravez]

Simon sat there denying things are harder for black coaches then immediately proceeding to pedal stereotypes about a man sat there in all black and basic adidas trainers is tone deaf. Jermaine Defoe only ever comes across as a genuine and brilliant bloke. Love to see him do well.

[@KingBravez]

Not to mention I’ve never seen a more blinging watch/wedding ring combo than Simon’s 😉

[@Tesmond256]

Is that all black Prada?

[@845H1R]

We all know the type of mindset people like SJ have when it comes to black/brown peeps

[@sholaebofin6090]

I've always loved jermains' bright articulate personality, one of my favourite players growing up

[@liammarley8995]

Jermain is a class act. Not just a top level footballer but as a man. I have no right to feel any connection to jermain but I have a huge sense of pride of him as an English footballer. His relationship with Bradley transcended football and made him a person I admire greatly.

[@CiaranLawlor]

Loved him for the passionate towards d young fella when with Sunderland Bradley lowey. True gentleman. Should be proud of him self. Big up from Liverpool supporter. Its not all about football

[@streetaware]

What great person Jemain is and also one of the best English players period. I remember at the time when he didn't get picked for England thinking "What is going on" he should have been selected no doubt about it. Top Class!!

[@claymor8241]

A legend at Sunderland. When we signed him I thought we might be getting a big name who wanted another Prem League payday wherever he could get it, and might coast through a season maybe. Couldn''t have been more wrong, a complete professional and gave 150%. great player, and no Sunln fan will ever forget his goal vs the mags. Also who can forget the time and genuine support he gave to little Bradley.

[@mason8714]

Made a 41 year old man cry his eyes out listening to the story a out the little lad Bradley, you have never played for the club I support but to give up your time to spend time with thr little man is truly a blessing 🙌!

[@jacksmith4460]

Defoe has an honorary Trophy in my mind, and I support Liverpool, never played for us, this guy was certainly good enough, and possibly the best striker at the near post finish I have seen, I would have loved to have seen him at Liverpool, one of the most underrated English players all time

[@Nejfun]

Arsenal fan & I loved watching Defoe.

[@nalcedfury]

Best interview yet from the King👑. Defoe comes across so well. An under-appreciated player and miles more insightful than many of player I’ve heard being interviewed from his generation. Brilliant.

[@Sillygoooose624]

Best guest Simon has had on by a mile!

[@martinlowe-dq9zc]

What a great watch, amazing to see Jermain stripped back and so honest, his caring nature comes through with his relationship with Bradley, hits home when you have children of your own. Such a great guy who never seemed to take anything for granted and such a great player. Best watch from this series for me

[@leegrice1210]

What a player… always comes across as a top lad too. 👌

[@smithyc2051]

You can be successful in life and have all the money you want,but if you ain’t a good human being then it means nothing. JD is an incredible human being. 💙

[@haddingtoniangcp2464]

Great interview. Love it!

[@DAWZEY6]

What a man jermaine is

[@calideeq12379]

Brilliant interview. I like this format as it gives the guest an opportunity to express themselves.

[@engsportsuk6461]

Great interview!

[@peakypikers7238]

Always liked jermain, he was a great striker and should of played more for our country.

[@garydurkin337]

I absolutely adore u as a man, what you did for Bradley❤

[@stevehazard8303]

What a great human Jermaine is

[@OfficialFingazMC]

Go on lad WATP 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@ASYOUWERE.]

Class act from a celtic fan what you done for little bradley was brilliant respect

[@oults4585]

These solo interviews are brilliant. Great to hear an interview without shameless promotion of the interviewees book or film. Defoe has a lot to offer in the world of football, obviously knows his onions.

[@davidt510]

Top bloke. Wish we could've had him a few years earlier at Rangers

[@wonderlabs_AI]

I bet if you put Rodri in this Southgate team, he would struggle big time. I probably haven't missed an England game since 2004 and I've never seen an England team consistently master any kind of tempo to construct attacking moves in possession.

[@johngillingham5006]

Gazza made England exciting in the 90's

[@j2thebee]

agree with this, people seem to have short memories. England consistently serve up turgid football, no matter the personnel

[@Pod-Clips1]

An incredible example of a man and role model!

[@philunsworth6193]

Jermain is a top man. Was really touching hearing the relationship he had with Bradley. Hope he gets his chance as a manager in the near future.

[@1DjJmoney]

Simon Jordan is fkin real one stream of gems in this chat

[@frasermcgowan6454]

One of the best Up Front episodes I have watched.

[@Msqump]

Defoe has said it, if we get to a final then it's success. So well done Gareth and the England team, Defoe has claimed you're successful ❤❤❤

[@williams1015]

brilliant Jermaine , most underrated player ever. would have loved you at utd , was very emotional watching that interview well done both !!!

[@MjolnirMarks]

One of my mates at high-school, who since killed himself, absolutely adored you Jermain. He wasn’t a massive football fan, but he loved watching your highlights, and would rave about you every Monday morning. Mad.

[@joecoyne7970]

One of the most underrated players ever

[@IAmCrumpton]

What a great guy!! Hope he gets an opportunity to manage and does well! This was a great chat.

[@3SpeechPodcast]

This has been the best interview out of the footballers. Jermaine great guest and really interesting

[@anthonyroe1966]

Great Player and a very Humble person great to see the respect he had for his parents as well so nice to see and what he did for that young lad bradley was very special to see i really hope you get a managers job and you will because you will not give up Jermaine and you so deserve it God Bless You A Great Podcast to Watch

[@michaeljakes3059]

Jermaine is just a lovely bloke as well as being a brilliant striker in his day ❤ wish he had turned out for CFC 🎉❤

[@yasminmalik3274]

One of the best interviews on the channel Well done Simon Jordan

[@jamesrocco5272]

As a 26 year old season ticket holder at Spurs Defoe will always be top 3 of my favourite ever players.. so underrated and brilliant guy as well! Another great podcast SJ!

[@jeannotschumacher1024]

You saw him play? I very much doubt so.

[@jamesrocco5272]

@@jeannotschumacher1024Defoe? I'm 26 born in 1998... check your maths mate 😂🤣 my first game was 2003..

[@robertanderson1654]

As a Rangers fan I would just like to thank Jermaine for his contribution to 55. Great player and a great human being

[@BBlueSSky999]

Defoe was a great goal scorer. Legend. 💯

[@simonfoxhall8604]

Brilliant interview and JD comes across so well ☺

[@bluesnap40]

Jermaine is a class act..... 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@elicastelli9728]

Great point - he hasn't aged a day, so still looks like JD the footballer, not a potential manager. Wishing you the very best in your managerial pursuit JD.

[@jack8988]

Natural Goal scorer and lethal finisher! Defoe was a class player! Lovely fella aswell! The Bradley story shows the mans class

[@surindersinghsidhamerimathohri]

Great man Great footballer Great striker really good man

[@MURPHYL28]

What a man Defoe is. Has the right mindset to be a good manager

[@fletchurr]

A real good guy of football. Much respect for Jermaine a real gent

[@david-oc1hz]

Remember seeing him play for spurs against hearts had never seen a striker that good

[@charliebright9726]

Respect everything Defoe says regarding England, it’s unfortunate for him that his time came at the same period when Rooney burst onto the scene

[@Winnie4g]

Brilliant interview, hope Jermaine gets his opportunity👏👏👏

[@stuartfoster9211]

I think Simon and the viewers learnt something from this one. Defoe's a top bloke! Brilliant episode! RIP Bradley

[@leonb1595]

This is a exellent interview you have had good ones Owen Flower but this one 👌🏾 👏🏾

[@charlienorth9970]

Wow what an interview! The Bradley lowery segment made me tear up! Really does put things into perspective

[@jaym753]

Much respect to Jermaine , very inspiring chap

[@ZacharyShahan]

Love both of these guys. Jermain is a true gem. Side note: dayam, them are some glasses.

[@bacaro_surrey]

Football ❤ Thanks Jermaine! Everything that's good in the game

[@chrisflynn1817]

Simon, would you consider having Marc White as a guest? Phenomenal story of Dorking Wanderers, and he's a real character!

[@rossi9869]

One of the good guys Defoe, top pro and a really decent human

[@jasonfrost4483]

Good man for what he did for Bradley 🙏