Portsmouth striker Defoe's bid to be the main man in England's spearhead

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Portsmouth striker has yet to make a real impact for England but is determined to hang on to his place for the World Cup qualifiers, which start against Andorra on Sepember 6.

Defoe made his full debut against Sweden in March 2004 but since then has won another 26 caps, scoring just three goals.

Put it there: Defoe shakes hands with England boss Fabio Capello during the match against the United States

Two of those goals were against this autumn's qualifying opponents Andorra in a 5-0 victory in September 2006 while the other was arguably even more important, the only goal in a 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Poland in Chorzow back in September 2004.

You would have thought that those goals would have provided the springboard for Defoe, the perfect base on which to build an England career. It hasn't happened, though.

But Defoe is now settled down on the south coast with Portsmouth. Harry Redknapp has complete faith in the 25-year-old striker and Defoe has duly responded by finding his goal touch again.

On Wednesday night, against the United States, he played 67 minutes before being replaced by Peter Crouch, the player who could soon be forging a partnership with Defoe down at Fratton Park.

"I feel, sharper, fitter and a whole lot better," said Defoe. "I enjoyed the game a lot. The manager said to try and get behind their defence and I thought I was unlucky not to score. I'm hoping now I will get another chance soon."

That opportunity may arrive in Port of Spain on Sunday and Defoe is not the only one who is desperate to impress.

Wayne Rooney - who Capello wants to calm down a little bit more during matches - will be missing, giving Dean Ashton the opportunity to finally make his debut.

Ashley Young has also been a model of consistency for Aston Villa and would provide some pace on the flank. Likewise, Young's Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor should be given a chance to show what he can do.