The Tottenham striker was given an early opportunity as Darius Vassell limped off following a heavy challenge by Aston Villa team-mate Olof Mellberg. Along with Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves he was one of England's best performers.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cushioned close-range volley proved the difference in a low-key friendly, which may just give Defoe a chance of being included in Eriksson's squad for Euro 2004.

After the match he said: "Should I be picked? I'll leave that to Mr Eriksson to decide. Now I just need to go back to my club, work hard and keep my feet on the ground.

"I definitely didn't expect to be on so early. It was a shock that I got on so quickly and I'm delighted with the performance. It would have been nice to score but it's just a friendly at the end of the day.

"I've always been confident; whenever I get a run at goal, that's all I see.

"It was a a dream come true to play at senior level and I really enjoyed it.''