Fit-again Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is ready to reclaim his England status.

The emergence of Newcastle striker Andy Carroll to provide competition for his England place is yet another incentive. But Defoe is bang up for proving he is the main man.

The Tottenham striker said: "I like the fact that Andy is around and doing the business. Sometimes when people go on about Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe being nailed on for the striker positions at England level it can make you a bit complacent.

"But now people are talking about Andy and that makes me focus on myself even more. It makes me more inspired to show what I can do, to prove that I should be in there for the national side.

"I don't know what other people do, but I try my best to help myself by not drinking, not smoking and not doing anything to harm my body.

"If I can get my goals now that I'm back then I know it will keep other players on their toes and that can only be good for the national side.

"But for the time being I want to have that impact on what is already an excellent Tottenham side."