England boss Gareth Southgate reveals exactly why he handed Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe a recall

Gareth Southgate has hailed Jermain Defoe's finishing and hunger after handing him a spot in the England squad.
Defoe is one of three strikers in the England squadDefoe is one of three strikers in the England squad
Defoe is one of three strikers in the England squad

Defoe has not featured for the national side since 2013 but his brilliant for the Black Cats this season has seen him get a recall.

With England facing an injury crisis up front, Defoe now has a realistic chance of adding to his international caps, with Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford the only other natural strikers int he squad.

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Southgate said he is looking to the future but doesn't want age to be a barrier for a player like Defoe.

He said: "His goal scoring record speaks for itself, he’s a finisher, a player who has played at every age group for England, and is proud to play for England.

"You can have young players who are hungry and old players who are hungry.

"I didn't want age to be a barrier, we’re looking to the future but at times an older player with experience lie his in the camp is important. We can’t just look at young players all the time, we have to get results now."