Defoe has earned his England chance, says manager

Gareth Southgate has claimed Jermain Defoe has a point to prove for England after calling the Sunderland striker out of the international wilderness.

Defoe has been recalled to the England squad by manager Southgate for the double header against Germany and Lithuania, having last played for his country in November 2013. Southgate’s decision has been influenced by a striker crisis that has meant he has not been able to pick Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck over injuries and fitness issues, while Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott have been left out.

Former England manager Roy Hodgson overlooked Defoe because of his age and Southgate believes the 34-year-old, who has 19 international goals, is eager to prove people wrong.

“We have got injuries in the forward area and it was important not to look at somebody’s age and dismiss them from your thinking,” said Southgate. “Jermain’s goalscoring record year after year is phenomenal, but, in particular, this season, in a team that isn’t creating as many chances as other teams, his strike rate is outstanding.

“You get young players with a point to prove and older players with a point to prove, and he still thinks that. He warrants the callup.”

Asked whether Defoe, who will be 35 next summer, was a realistic candidate to make England’s World Cup squad for Russia, Southgate replied: “It’s impossible to say for any of the players.”