Defoe show sinks Toffees

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Harry Redknapp's men arrived on Merseyside having lost their previous six league encounters and having failed to score in each of those defeats in a dismal run stretching back to the end of last season.

But Defoe found the net with a typically predatory effort in the 12th minute - Portsmouth's first goal in 527 minutes - and then turned provider with an exquisite pass to send Glen Johnson for a second five minutes before the break. Defoe, fittingly, had the final say with a brilliant chipped effort in the 69th minute that left Redknapp punching the air in delight.

Defoe found the net with a sublime effort in the 12th minute after receiving a flick-on from new strike partner Peter Crouch to give them an ideal start.

He wriggled free of the attentions of several defenders close at hand before drilling the ball with his right foot into the bottom left corner.

Defoe then supplied the pass to send in Johnson for a second Portsmouth goal.

The former Chelsea and West Ham defender produced a forward's finish, cleverly prodding the ball past Tim Howard with his left foot.

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James then enhanced his status as England's first-choice goalkeeper with a superb penalty save from former Portsmouth striker Ayegbeni Yakubu early in the second half.

While much has been made of Portsmouth's so-called foreign legion, this was a victory very much made in England.

Defoe, Johnson, James and new recruit Peter Crouch all underlined their claims to be included in Fabio Capello's plans for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia with fine displays, and the diminutive former Tottenham striker topped off his performance with the third.