Jermain Defoe spoke to the national media earlier this week following his return to the England set-up.
The Sunderland striker looked back on a memorable call-up, explained what it means to represent his country and previewed Wednesday’s game against Germany.
Read everything Defoe had to say via the transcript below…
Was there every a time where you thought an England recall might not happen?
JD: “I did think maybe I won’t get in and I came out and said it, but it didn’t stop me from getting my head down and working hard, and hoping that one day I’d have the chance to represent my country again. I didn’t give up but I got a lot of stick from the lads at the training ground because I’ve still got the England flag on my boots – they would ask why I still had it – but I was just hoping for an opportunity, so now it’s come I’m delighted.”
That speaks volumes about your passion for this country and your national team. We’ve seen players retire from international football early to try and prolong their club careers – was that something that every crossed your mind?
JD: “No not at all to be honest. Everybody knows how much I love playing football and love scoring goals. I’ve always known how important it is to play from England, even since day one wearing the shirt – how I felt, scoring a goal – and I’ve always realised how important it is. When you’ve had that experience of going to major tournament it’s something that you crave. I’ve been blessed with going to two and like I said I never gave up.”
I asked Gareth Southgate on Thursday if you were an option for the 2018 World Cup and he said that’s down to you and how well you do between now and then. Is that a target for you and do you want to be in that squad?
JD: “Of course. Like I said before I know how important it is to play for your country and going to a major tournament – travelling, arriving at the hotel, playing the games – is something that I’ve always wanted to do since I was a kid, growing up watching the great players over the years. I’ve been lucky enough to experience it but you just want more and more, so if I get the opportunity to go to another major tournament it would be a dream.”
Does it feel different coming in as a senior player?
JD: “It feels different coming in as one of the senior lads. When you come in as a youngster you feel like a sponge and you try and take everything in from everyone – the manager and the players. This time around it is a bit strange because you’re a senior player and you want to try and help the younger lads, but to be honest they’ve got some experience under their belts already which is important.”
What do you make of this period now under Gareth Southgate – does it feel different?
JD: “I had a conversation with the manager on the phone and he’s someone who’s always impressed me. I remember playing against him and he’s a genuinely a nice man. I think he’ll do well because he’s been there and done it, playing in major tournaments, and he has the experience to be fully-equipped to handle the pressure. I think that’s quite refreshing as a player to have a manager stand in front of you who has been there and done it.”
James Ward-Prowse told us that he gave quite an inspirational speech earlier this morning about his vision for England moving forward. What did you make of that?
JD: “I was really impressed with the presentation that he gave and his background really in terms of what he’s done during his career. The ups and the downs, dealing with the disappointments – he spoke about missing the penalty in the Euros and about being a young captain at Crystal Palace back in the day when he had that pressure on his shoulders – so that’s what I mentioned before about being fully-equipped. Because of his experiences he’s the perfect man for the job.”
Do England need to make a statement when they take on Germany on Wednesday evening?
JD: “You always need to make a statement. Throughout my time involved with England, every game home or away, friendly or qualifier, it’s important to make a statement. You always have to play well and for me the most important thing is winning. Sometimes at your club you’ll hear people say ‘it doesn’t matter how you win’ and ‘you can’t always play well, as long as you win’, and at the still remains the same at international level.”
You’ve never doubted your own ability and you’ve proved what you can do at Premier League level year in year out, so do you still have the confidence that you can score at international level?
JD: “Yes. For me nothing changes. On a personal note, if I’m feeling sharp and I’m me then I believe I can score goals. In this team I do believe there will be a lot of opportunities to score goals because of the quality. If you get the chance you have to score, it’s as simple as that.”
