Jermain Defoe still holds England hopes

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has insisted that he still harbours ambitions of regaining a place in Roy Hodgson's England plans.

The 32-year-old frontman joined the Black Cats from Toronto FC in January and grabbed four important goals to help keep the Wearside club in the Premier League.

"It was at the back of my mind at the time, before I left. But because I was in the squad, especially with Roy Hodgson, I just thought I would remain in the squad regardless of where I was playing," Defoe told Sky Sports News.

"But I never once said I didn't want to play for my country; I didn't retire. I haven't spoken to him, because I don't feel like I need to speak to him. I just feel that all I need to do is make sure I have a good pre-season and score a lot of goals and we will see what happens.

"I still feel like I've got a lot to offer for England. I still feel like I can score at that level. If you get the chances you will score simple as that."

Defoe has so far notched 55 caps for his country, bagging 19 goals in the process.