Defoe back in England plans after 4-0 win

MANCHESTER, England, Aug 17 (Reuters) Striker Jermain Defoe appears back in international favour after a lively performance during England's 4-0 drubbing of Greece in Steve McClaren's first match as head coach.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker was left out of Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the World Cup in Germany with 17-year-old Theo Walcott chosen ahead of him.

But with Michael Owen injured and Wayne Rooney suspended for the next two European Championship qualifying games, against Andorra and Macedonia, he has an opportunity to shine.

''I watched the World Cup and kept thinking what might have happened if I had been there but that is normal for any player,'' Defoe said after yesterday's game.

''I was thinking there could have been games where I could have come on and made a difference but that is all forgotten about now and I just want to look forward.'' England failed to live up to expectations in the World Cup in Germany and were knocked out by Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Yesterday they looked a rejuvenated side.

''This is a new start for me. The most important thing is for me to stay in the squad now and hopefully help us qualify for the European Championship.'' England manager McClaren, who dropped former captain David Beckham and installed defender John Terry as skipper, indicated Defoe was an important part of his plans.

''A lot of work the two front players did went unnoticed.

Their job was to make the extra man in midfield and drop down, and both of them did it very well.

''Jermain worked hard, dropped in that hole and was a threat.

He deserved a goal but didn't get one. But if he keeps playing like that then goals will come.'' Defoe's strike partner Peter Crouch scored twice after Terry put England in front in the 14th minute and and his Chelsea team mate Frank Lampard made it two on the half hour.

REUTERS PM HT1805