Defoe has confidence

England forward Jermain Defoe has admitted that he thrives on confidence, and having enjoyed a consistent run of form with Portsmouth is eager to take his positive outlook into the opening World Cup qualifiers.

Having joined Harry Redknapp once again in January Defoe has gone on to score ten league goals in 15 appearances, including a brace at Goodison Park in his last outing - and he believes his club form has helped propel him back onto the international stage.

"I think most people would describe themselves as confidence players," Defoe explained.

"When you are playing well, you feel confident and believe you are going to do well in games. That is the kind of form you want to take into international matches."

Defoe scored two goals during England's 3-0 win in Trinidad at the end of last season, but with the competitive games on the agenda now the Pompey forward is now concentrating on helping the Three Lions secure three points in the opening game in Andorra.

Defoe was denied a goal in the last match at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona by the predatory instincts of David Nugent, but Defoe says that getting the win is the only thing on his mind.

"The atmosphere was difficult that night," he said.

"No game is easy and that was a frustrating one. But I didn't think 0-0 at half-time was such a bad position.

"The problem is Andorra get a lot of men behind the ball, so it really helps to get an early goal. It means they have to at least try and have a go.

"You have to believe you will get chances in games like this; it is down to us to take them," he said.

"As a forward it is a game you want to play in. But you also have to recognise it is a massive game in terms of qualification and a win is really all that matters, irrespective of the score."