Gareth Southgate has revealed that he thinks Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe can make the Three Lions 2018 World Cup squad after scoring on his international return.
Despite his advancing age, the 34-year-old’s performances have been very good for Sunderland this season and managed to earn him a recall to the England national team for the first time since November 2013.
In fact, Defoe opened the scoring during England’s World Cup qualification win against Lithuania on Sunday as he slotted home Raheem Sterling’s cross midway through the first half. Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy added another to complete an expected win for Southgate’s men.
“It’s a great moment for him,” Southgate said of Defoe after the game. “I think we’ve got to look every time we get together as to who is in form.
“He was thrilled to be back involved in the squad, I think he has enjoyed his week immensely. He’s been a good senior professional to have around the team, both in terms of the way he’s trained, his professionalism, which has been great for some of the younger players to see, and his finishing in training and then today, which we expected really.
“I would have put my house on him scoring at some stage today, so I think he’s had a really positive impact on everybody.”
If Defoe goal scoring form in the Premier League next season is similar to what he has displayed this season, he will surely have a good chance for making the England team for the World Cup.
