Jermain Defoe has admitted that he needs to use Saturday's friendly with Brazil in Doha to remind England coach Fabio Capello of his international credentials.
Defoe was in a rich vein of goal-scoring form for his country before a broken hand meant he was not chosen for last month's World Cup qualifiers with the Ukraine and Belarus.
In his absence Peter Crouch took full advantage with a double against Belarus as England ended their qualifying campaign in style.
Defoe has not started a game for England this year, having made telling contributions as a substitute, and would be delighted to earn a rare start against the Brazilians.
The striker said: "Do I need to re-establish myself? I think so. Peter Crouch came in the last time and played well, and he is a fantastic player.
"It was frustrating to miss out through injury and when you get an opportunity, you have got to take it. You have to make an impact.
"I don't want to have the title of super-sub but when you don't start it is important you try and make an impression when you come off the bench.
"I haven't started a game for England in 2009 and if the first one was against Brazil it would be special because they are the side that everyone wants to play against.
"Of course, it is a friendly and there are players injured and missing, but it is important to get a winning mentality before the World Cup."
Read More
Defoe also believes that his Spurs team-mate Tom Huddlestone could stake a late claim to be part of Capello's World Cup plans after being named in the squad to face Brazil.
He said: "Tom is a fantastic player and he deserves this call-up. He was in the squad last year against Trinidad and Tobago and did well in training and he is a natural footballer.
"If he gets the opportunity, he will be ready. He could force his way into contention for the World Cup and he scored a fantastic goal at the weekend but ultimately it is up to the manager."
Huddlestone is confident that he will be up to the task if called upon by Capello.
He said: "I've been in the last couple of preliminary squads but to be in the final 23, especially for a game against Brazil, is something special."
