Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has admitted that he is "worried" that Fabio Capello will not pick him for England's campaign in the European Championships next year.
The 29-year-old has failed to keep a regular spot in Spurs' starting lineup, beginning just one Premier League match this season, against Arsenal.
The frontman believes that Harry Redknapp's decision to leave him on the bench could damage his chances with the Three Lions.
"I can't just tell the manager to change a winning team just for me," Defoe told The Mirror "I know that. The lads have been brilliant. But I am fit, sharp and ready if I am called upon.
"I'm 29. I know that the reason I have been left out of the last few England squads is that I have not been starting for my club. Darren Bent has been playing regularly for Aston Villa and Danny Welbeck has been playing for Manchester United. So they are getting picked ahead of me.
"I won't lie, I am worried about not going to the European Championship. I want to give myself every chance. I believe [that] if I am playing, I have got a real chance of going to the Euros. But I'm going to bide my time."
The lack of first-team opportunities has prompted speculation that the striker is on the lookout for a new club to join in January. However, Defoe has insisted that he is happy to remain at White Hart Lane.
"Fans who have probably read things come up to me every day and say, 'Don't leave the club,'" he added. "I was at a charity dinner the other night when a fan came up and said it to me.
"I've done it before - when I went to Portsmouth and scored my goals to remind people what I can do - but I am committed to Tottenham. I love the club and I love the fans. It's a really important time for the club. Everyone wants to play their part and I'm no different."
The North London side are currently third in the league table.
Danielle Joynson
