Sunderland v Burnley: Sean Dyche hails '˜sharp' Jermain Defoe following England recall

Jermain DefoeJermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe
Today's Stadium of Light clash between Sunderland and Burnley will bring in-form Clarets striker Andre Gray up against the man who arguably cost him his first England call-up this week, Jermain Defoe.

Some had expected Gray to join team-mates Tom Heaton and Michael Keane in Gareth Southgate’s squad for games against Germany and Lithuania, but the England boss opted instead to end Black Cats talisman Defoe’s four-year international exile.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche had no complaints about the decision, admitting: “Jermain Defoe is a fine player – he still looks sharp and he’s still scoring goals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I think the game’s changing anyway – players are looking after themselves for longer, they’re staying fitter and there are more support systems.

“(Gray) is still learning and adjusting in the Premier League. I think he’ll improve from what we do here and he’ll improve from being in the Premier League, so hopefully if he continues to do that his day will come.”

News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice