Harry Redknapp has labelled Jermain Defoe as the 'best finisher in England' following his stunning five-goal haul in Tottenham's 9-1 demolition of Wigan at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The 27-year-old's magificent exploits, with all his goals coming in a frenetic second half, was the best haul for a player in a Premier League match for a decade after Alan Shearer had netted five against Sheffield Wednesday in 1999.

Defoe becomes only the third player to register five goals in a single match in Premier League history, alongside Shearer and Andy Cole, who helped Manchester United to a 9-0 win over Ipswich Town back in 1995.

After the game a jubilant Redknapp was unequivocal in his praise for the Spurs No.9 and believes he has all but booked his place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the 2010 World Cup finals after his virtuoso performance.

"He's an amazing finisher. Wayne Rooney's fantastic - a complete all-round player - but as a finisher, Defoe is the best out there," Redknapp told BBC Sport.

"I'm sure he'll go to the World Cup. Fabio (Capello) will see the goals he's scored."

The strikes vaulted him to the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with 11 goals, a timely reminder for Capello, who has not made Defoe an automatic pick during his time in charge of the Three Lions.

The 27-year-old forward, who suffered World Cup heartache when missing out in favour of Theo Walcott under Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2006, made a compelling case for inclusion this time.

Redknapp added: "He's got stronger this season and is using his upper body strength a bit more and holding people off and Capello will be impressed."