AFC Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe has revealed that he could be in contention for a spot in England's World Cup squad, and stated he is 'ready to go to another tournament'.
The 35-year-old has scored four goals for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, but did strike 15 for Sunderland during the 2016/17 campaign.
Defoe has been in and out of the England squad since his debut in 2004, scoring 20 goals in 57 appearances for his country.
Speaking to ESPN FC about making the 2018 tournament, Defoe said: "I got a letter. All the players that are in contention get a letter to tell you the schedule for the summer. I don't feel like I have anything to prove.
"I'm quite relaxed about it to be honest. The manager knows what I'm about and, if I'm called on, I'm ready to go to another tournament."
To make England's World Cup 2018 squad (odds via Sky Bet)
- Harry Kane - 1/20
- Jamie Vardy - 1/20
- Marcus Rashford - 1/20
- Danny Welbeck - 4/6
- Andy Carroll - 16/1
- Daniel Sturridge - 16/1
- Callum Wilson - 18/1
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 20/1
- Tammy Abraham - 25/1
- Jermain Defoe -28/1
The forward featured for the Three Lions at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, scoring the only goal in England's group stage victory over Slovenia.
On playing under then-boss Fabio Capello, Defoe added: "Fabio was alright. He was strict. One day I was late for a meeting, I got the times wrong, and oh my God my heart was beating. I thought, 'I'll never do that again'. But, you know what, I liked it. You're not scared but you know you have to listen and he's got that respect, he's got that presence as soon as you walk into the changing rooms.
"With Gareth, he's got respect because he's been there and done it. How many tournaments has Gareth played in? Fabio played but his presence came as manager who has managed top clubs.
"Gareth's got that presence in that he can say, 'I've been to European Championships and played every game and I've been to tournaments and not kicked a ball'. Being a nice guy is important too. He's approachable. You can talk to him about anything."
His chances of making the squad for Russia are slim, having just started eleven games due to an injury which disrupted part of his season.
Defoe feels that a run of games would have put him in closer contention. "I feel like if I'd played more games, we'd be sitting here and it'd be a different conversation," The forward added, "throughout my career whenever I've played and got rhythm, that's when I get my goals. And I've proved it.
"Against Lithuania at Wembley, I had about four touches and scored. Did anyone see that coming? No. I wasn't meant to be back in the squad at 34. I've never really thought about retiring from international football because I still feel sharp, I still feel in my heart I can score goals at that level."
Follow Sporting Life on social media - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLife
Odds correct at 0930 BST (10/05/18)
Related football links
