England v Ukraine: Jermain Defoe continues to reinvent himself in a bid to survive as a modern-day striker As recently as last season, it appeared that Defoe was in danger of following Michael Owen down the cul-de-sac of 'impact substitute. Despite a strike rate superior to almost any rival, Defoe had been consigned to lengthy periods on the bench for Tottenham and England, generally only being introduced when his team were in desperate need of a goal. Instead, the modern-day forward is generally required to operate alone up front in some variation of a 4-3-3 system and be capable not just of applying the finishing touch but also playing with their back to goal, occupying more than one defender and linking their team's attacks. Didier Drogba and Robin van Persie have been the Premier League's best recent examples while those who offer the more limited qualities of Owen and Defoe, even despite their scoring records, are becoming an endangered species. Defoe, though, is three years younger and has been showing an admirable willingness to modify his game. Last night was his fifth international or Premier League start so far this season. That it took him until almost December last year to begin so many matches of equivalent importance is a tangible sign of progress. His performances, even in the wider context of some poor team results, have also demonstrated that he remains rather more than a dangerous option from the bench. On a night of such limited midfield creativity all around him, Defoe was consistently England's most dangerous player, highlighted with a brilliant first-half finish that was harshly ruled out for the gentlest of hand-offs on Andriy Yarmolenko. He then almost put James Milner clear on goal with a deft back-heel and also selflessly provided Tom Cleverley with an open goal that the Manchester United midfielder somehow directed straight at Andriy Pyatov. On another day, Defoe would have scored one and created two. Even with England held to a draw, there was the clear sense that he is becoming more comfortable in his new role. "You have to be patient - you don't get as many touches in the game compared to if you were playing a 4-4-2," he said. You cannot drop too deep as there will be no one up front. You have to come alive at the right times. Defoe did that last night so continued to ensure that his own England career remains very much alive.