Defoe, 25, destroyed Everton with a brilliant brace at Goodison Park in the 3-0 victory to send out an emphatic message to England boss Capello about his goalscoring capabilities.

A delightful piece of footwork and neat low shot saw him open the scoring in the 12th minute and a sumptuous 69th-minute chip bounced off the crossbar and over the line for his second.

National service now beckons for Defoe, a player deemed not worthy of a place in England's 2006 World Cup squad by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Defoe - who had not scored for Pompey since March - said: "Obviously England was at the back of my mind because they are two important games.

"I just want to be a part of it because it's great to play for your country.

"It's all about confidence and I felt great against Everton so hopefully I will make the England team."

England's bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa begins on Saturday away to minnows Andorra before they face Croatia in Zagreb four days later in their toughest qualifier of all.

With lingering concerns over Michael Owen's fitness and Wayne Rooney's form and temperament, in-form Defoe is perfectly positioned to claim a starting berth.

His partnership with Peter Crouch finally ignited against Everton and the pair dovetailed effectively throughout.

Defoe's biggest problem afterwards was informing his 6ft 7ins partner that Portsmouth's third goal had already crossed the line before Crouch headed the ball into the back of the net to make absolutely certain.

"I don't want to upset Crouchie but it was already over the line," said Defoe.

"I actually preferred my first goal because when you are away from home it's always good to get an early goal.

"It relaxed us and allowed us to pass the ball.

"Obviously I enjoyed the second one but at the time I thought it was Crouchie's."

While much has been made of Pompey's so-called foreign legion, this was a victory very much made in England.

Defoe also showcased his creative skills with an astute pass to send England right-back Glen Johnson clear for a second Portsmouth goal five minutes before the break.

Shortly after the restart, David James enhanced his status as England's first-choice goalkeeper with a brilliant penalty save to deny former Pompey striker Yakubu.

The result ended a dismal six-match losing streak in the league dating back to last season for Harry Redknapp's men.

Defoe added: "It was important to get the three points and we did that.

"Sometimes it takes time to get going. We've had difficult games to be honest but we know we've got quality in the dressing room.

"Everton is a difficult place to come and to win like we did is credit to the boys.

"Everyone played their part and it was a great save from Jamo from the penalty.

"Glen did well getting forward, he's got such fantastic energy and Armand (Traore) on the other side also worked really well."

ends