Defoe wants to impress from the start
Thursday, 12 November, 2009
England hitman keen to avoid 'Super Sub' tag
Jermain Defoe is relishing the chance to impress Fabio Capello once again on Saturday and wants to re-establish himself in the England attack when they face Brazil in Doha.
Defoe was forced to miss the final two World Cup Qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus with a broken hand and his replacement, Peter Crouch, made a major impact scoring two goals in the final game at Wembley.
The 27-year-old has yet to start a game for The Three Lions in 2009 but has made a major impact as substitute scoring five goals in his last four games. Defoe is hoping to get among the goals once again and show the England Manager that he should be a regular in the England attack.
Defoe said: "Do I need to re-establish myself? I think so. Peter Crouch came in the last time and played well, and he is a fantastic player.
"It was frustrating to miss out through injury and when you get an opportunity, you have got to take it. You have to make an impact.
"I don't want to have the title of 'Super Sub' but when you don't start it is important you try and make an impression when you come off the bench.
"I haven't started a game for England in 2009 and if the first one was against Brazil it would be special because they are the side that everyone wants to play against.
"To win against Brazil would be brilliant. It is a good fixture for us and will give us a chance to see how far we have come.
"Of course, it is a friendly and there are players injured and missing, but it is important to get a winning mentality before the World Cup."
Defoe is thrilled to see his Tottenham team-mate, Tom Huddlestone, in the England squad and believes he is good enough to stake a claim for a place at the World Cup next summer.
Defoe added: "Tom is a fantastic player and he deserves this call-up. He was in the squad last year against Trinidad & Tobago and did well in training and he is a natural footballer.
"If he gets the opportunity, he will be ready. He could force his way into contention for the World Cup and he scored a fantastic goal at the weekend, but ultimately it is up to the England Manager."