There are just hours to go until England face a pivotal 2018 World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, but at safc.com there’s only one thing on our minds…
Will Jermain Defoe feature for the Three Lions?
- We will be live from Wembley Stadium, follow all the action @SunderlandAFC
- Follow @Sunderlandafcofficial on Instagram
- Follow safcofficial on Snapchat for more content
- Watch Defoe impress in training with the Three Lions here
The Sunderland striker was unused against Germany on Wednesday as Gareth Southgate’s side suffered a narrow defeat, but that could bode well for the 34-year-old.
Defoe is one of three out-and-out strikers at Southgate’s disposal and the others – Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford – both lined up against the world champions.
On Sunday, Defoe will be hoping to get the chance his form, and commitment, so richly deserves.
With 14 Premier League goals this season, the Wearside hero is without an international cap for three years and four months with his last appearance coming in 2013 against Chile.
But despite a spell away from the national team, the England boss isn’t expecting any signs of rust.
“Jermain is scoring goals for his club, doesn’t get too many chances, but he’s a deadly finisher,” said Southgate.
“If called upon, I have every faith that he’ll score goals. No question.”
He continued: “I’ve been really impressed with his contribution to the group this week, and it’s great for the younger players to see a player of his experience with that hunger still, and not just to score goals.
“He’s always had that, and I was in the squad when he first came into the national set-up, but also with the way he looks after himself.
“He’s in fantastic physical condition, very conscious of his diet, and he passes on his experience to the group.”
England currently top Group F on the road to Russia, but Slovenia are hot on their heels and they could take advantage of any slip up, with Lithuania, who have taken five points from four games, proving they’re no pushovers.
But they’ve never faced Defoe, and rumour is he’s set to start.
Let’s hope they’re right!