DEFOE: I’LL GO VEGAN TO PLAY AT WORLD CUP
JERMAIN DEFOE has told of his heartbreak at being snubbed by Roy Hodgson for last year’s Euros – and revealed he is trying to turn vegan to reach next year’s World Cup.
The England striker, 34, marked his return to the Three Lions fold on Sunday with his first international goal for four years to see off Lithuania.
With Gareth Southgate picking players on merit rather than reputation, Defoe is doing all he can to keep himself in shape for Russia 2018 – off the pitch as well as on it.
“It was heartbreaking,” said Sunderland striker Defoe of his Euros snub. “In my heart I felt I’d done enough to be involved. But I didn’t get a call. I found out from the telly.
“Even if it’s a five-minute phone call. Gareth phoned me and said, ‘Even if you’re not in the squad I will still phone you’. As players, you appreciate that.
“You have a conversation with the manager and you understand. Maybe if I do this I can get in the next squad. When he called me we had a nice conversation.
“Now it’s down to me to go back to my club and have a good finish to the season. We’ve got some important games and goals are needed.”
Already diligent about looking after himself, Defoe has made another lifestyle change.
“I’m trying to turn vegan, which is a funny one because, when I go to my mum’s, she’s got every meat you can imagine out on the table. But I’m just trying to tick every box so I can continue playing.”
Is the attempt at becoming a vegan working? “I think so,” Defoe added. “I still feel the sharpness. In terms of fitness I’m not fatiguing towards the end of games. I feel good.
“So I’m trying. I am 34. I still wake up in the morning and look forward to training. The buzz is still there. I want to play as long as I can.” Southgate has had a heart-to-heart with Ross Barkley over his latest snub.
The Everton midfielder (left) did not get a minute in either of England’s games against Germany and Lithuania despite being recalled to the squad.
And Southgate said: “I had a good chat with Ross to explain why we hadn’t put him into either game.
“He’ll be a bit frustrated but we like him, he’s a talented player and he’s just got to keep playing well with Everton.”