England manager Gareth Southgate may have to call up Sunderland veteran Jermain Defoe as a result of the injury crisis he faces in terms of picking forwards.
Southgate will announce his squad on Thursday ahead of a friendly international against reigning World Champions Germany and a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
The 34-year-old Defoe has not made an appearance for the Three Lions since 2013, but may be recalled into the fray in next week.
Harry Kane will definitely miss the two games while there are concerns over the match fitness of Wayne Rooney, who was unavailable for Manchester United’s FA Cup clash against Chelsea on Monday.
Apart from Defoe, Southgate can also call up Jamie Vardy but he is struggling for form at the moment. Danny Welbeck had to miss Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Lincoln during the weekend due to illness.
Marcus Rashford is available but Defoe has a better record in front of goal than the youngster this season. Therefore, the injury crisis could mean a return for Defoe and possibly West Ham’s Andy Carroll.
