Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes Jermain Defoe has plenty to offer England and can still force his way into Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.
The 35-year-old was left out of the recent friendlies against Germany and Brazil as Tammy Abraham and Dominic Solanke won their first international caps.
Defoe has struggled since joining the Cherries from Sunderland, netting only once in 10 league appearances this term.
But Howe is confident Defoe – who has 57 caps – will rediscover the kind of form which saw him score 15 goals in each of the last two Premier League campaigns.
"I think Jermain has started the season well for us. People will judge on goals but I think there's a lot more to a centre-forward's performance than just the actual stat," the Bournemouth boss said ahead of his side's match against Huddersfield Town.
"We need to get to know how to get the best out of Jermain in terms of our players getting used to the runs he makes, where he wants the ball.
"I believe he can make the World Cup squad. I think he can have an impact at the World Cup for sure. Obviously, it will be defined by how well he does for us between now and then."
