To score World Cup final winner
with a poacher’s goal. He said: “If you get to the point where you accept sitting on the bench, then you shouldn’t be playing. I know there are still a lot more goals in me.
“I have missed the last three England squads because I am not playing. You can’t just assume you are going to get in because of what you have done over the years.”
This was Defoe’s first goal of 2018. Things had looked far rosier for him a year ago when Gareth Southgate recalled him to the England squad after impressive form for a struggling Sunderland side.
When asked about the possibility of Southgate having him in Russia this summer as a super-sub, Defoe replied: “I would come on and win the World Cup, it’s as simple as that. At a tournament, it is not just about the players who start, it’s about the squad.”
Eddie Howe, the Bournemouth manager, praised Defoe for the way he is still looking after himself but says that selection is a tough task due to their attacking options.
Howe said: “My job is a difficult one – I’ve got Callum Wilson, Josh King, Jermain, Lys Mousset. So, depending on what system we play, I have to make tough calls.”
Defoe came on with his side 2-1 down. Kiko Femenia had struck Watford into an early lead before King equalised with a penalty. Then Roberto Pereyra restored the home team’s advantage.
Javi Garcia, the Watford manager, will work with his side on defending set-pieces after they failed to stop Defoe from pouncing after a free-kick had not been cleared. Gracia said: “We need to improve in that situation because we didn’t defend in the best way.”