Defoe: England chance

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Jermain Defoe insists that his England start against the USA proves he was right to join Portsmouth from Tottenham.

The striker left White Hart Lane for Fratton Park in January in search of regular first-team football, having been consigned to a bench role in North London.

Defoe immediately became Harry Redknapp's first-choice forward, and rewarded his manager with eight goals in 12 appearances.

That alerted England boss Fabio Capello, who gave the former West Ham striker a chance to shine in Wednesday's international friendly at Wembley.

And while Defoe failed to find the net in the 2-0 victory, he feels that his time at Pompey has given him the sharpness he needs for international football.

Stronger

Defoe told the Daily Mirror: "The manager told me to try and get in behind defenders like I do for my club.

"I felt so much sharper. When you are playing regularly you feel stronger.

"I feel fit and I feel so much better."