Jermain Defoe has been selected in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures.
The Sunderland striker has been in deadly form throughout the campaign and his exploits haven’t gone unnoticed, with his England inclusion marking his first involvement at international level since 2013.
Harry Kane, who is unable for selection due to injury, is the only English player to score more Premier League goals than Defoe this season, and he’ll be hoping to add to his tally when the Black Cats take on Burnley this weekend.
At international level, the 34-year-old has notched 55 caps and 19 goals, with his crowning moment coming at the 2010 World Cup when he scored the only goal in a vital win over Slovenia.
The Three Lions will take on Germany in a prestigious friendly at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday 22 March before facing Lithuania four days later in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.
And speaking exclusively to safc.com, Defoe said it’s good to be back!
“I’m delighted that I’m back in there.
“I’ve always looked forward to playing for England because it’s special and it’s the pinnacle – you don’t get any higher than that – and I think Bradley’s going to be mascot so I’m delighted I’m involved.
“My first tournament was the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and as you can imagine it was an amazing feeling,” continued the England international.
“We drew the first two games against USA and Algeria and going into the third game the manager pulled me and said ‘are you ready to play’ – I said ‘of course’, and I got the goal as we won 1-0.
“It was one of the best moments of my career.”
