Jermain Defoe has claimed he wouldn’t be recalled to the England squad even if he finished the season with the Golden Boot award.
The 34-year-old has scored four goals in his last five games to help Sunderland overcome their dreadful start to the season to give them a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.
Defoe’s superb eye for goal has never left the striker despite his aging years and his recent performances have prompted suggestions he should be considered by Gareth Southgate for the next England squad, although the Sunderland ace isn’t getting his hopes up.
“I’m enjoying training every day. I feel sharp, I feel strong, I feel fit and I feel confident – and for a striker that’s so important,” The Daily Mirror quote Defoe as saying. “You believe that every game you go into, if you get a chance, you will score.
“That’s my mindset. I don’t feel like I am 34. I feel like I prepare right all week. But I almost feel like it doesn’t matter what I do, even if I get the Golden Boot I still don’t think I’d get called up [to the England squad].”
Defoe hasn’t managed to add to his 55 England caps since last turning out for the Three Lions in a friendly against Chile in November 2013 and with competition for places up front as competitive as they have been for many years, it doesn’t look likely he will force his way back into contention.
Since the start of last season only Harry Kane (32) and Jamie Vardy (26) have scored more goals of English players in the Premier League than Defoe (23).
For more stats on Jermain Defoe, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
