Jermain Defoe is looking to re-establish himself as an England player when the three Lions tackle Brazil in Doha on Saturday. Defoe was in a rich vein of goal-scoring form for his country before injury caused him to miss last month's World Cup qualifiers with the Ukraine and Belarus.

Defoe has not started a game for England during 2009, having made telling contributions as a substitute, but he would be delighted to earn a rare start against the Brazilians.

Defoe 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."

Defoe has monitored the debate over diving in football and believes such actions do not create a good impression.

He said: "It is not something I would do deliberately. People don't want to see it in the game.

"We know as players you shouldn't cheat. It does not look good on television but you have got to realise everyone is trying to win games."