Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe says it's unlikely that he will be involved in future England squads even if he is to win the Golden Boot award this season.
The 34-year-old has eight goals for the Black Cats in the Premier League so far this season, the fourth highest in the division.And, although he is the currently the highest scoring English player to datethis campaign,there seems to be no call-up to the national teamforthcoming.
Speaking totalkSPORT, Defoe admitted that he doesn't expect to be involved with upcoming internationals, but expressed his determination to not give up on the Three Lions.
˜I could win Golden Boot and STILL wouldn't get England call-up', #SAFC star Jermain Defoe tells talkSPORT
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Asked if England manager Gareth Southgate had contacted him, he said:I've not heard anything.It's not like I've given up, but it does get to a point where you think, is it ever going to happen?
I feel good, it's the sharpest I've felt in a long time.I'm enjoying training every day, I feel sharp, I feel strong, I feel fit and I feel confident “ and for a striker that's so important.
But I almost feel like it doesn't matter what I do, even if I get the Golden Boot I still don't think I'd get called up.
I don't really like talking about it. I wouldn't want the gaffer [Moyes] to have a word [with Southgate] because you get called up on merit, so I'll just keep letting my football do the talking.�
Defoe is also the third highest goalscorer in England of the calendar year with 19 goals, behind only Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane.