DEFOE DELIGHT TO GET ENGLAND CALL AGAIN
PATRIOTIC SUNDERLAND STRIKER IS ALWAYS KEEN TO FLY THE FLAG
Jermain Defoe is ecstatic to be be back in the England setup, and revealed getting the call from Gareth Southgate has saved him from some training ground mocking.
Defoe is hoping to feature in Wednesday night’s friendly against Germany and opened up on how much his recall means.
He told Sky Sports News: “The lads have given me some stick for this but I have still got the England flag on my boots.
“They ask ‘why have you still got the flag on’ but I’d always hoped I’d get the opportunity again.
“Everyone knows how much I love playing for England and scoring.
“I have always known how important it is to play for England.
“When you have had that experience of a major tournament it is something you crave. “I have been blessed. “I have just head my head down and have been working hard - I am back here and delighted.
“It feels different coming in as a senior lad.
“You are like a sponge as a kid.
“This time around it is strange.
“You want to try help the younger lads. Some of them even have lots of experience.
Defoe spoke about his positive conversation with Southgate ahead of his selection and has been impressed with the new England manager since arriving in the camp at the start of the week. Southgate prepared a presentation for the squad about his vision for the national side, with players praising his talk.
Defoe said: “I remember playing against him. He’s a nice man.
“He has been there and done it. He is fully equipped to handle the pressure.
“It is refreshing to have someone in front of you who has been there and done it at major tournaments.
“I was really impressed with his presentation. His background, career. the ups and downs. The disappointments.
“Being a young captain at Palace. Pressure on your shoulders. Because of his experiences he is perfect man for the job.”