<
>

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe not given up hope of England Euro 2016 call-up

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe believes he has done everything he can to put himself in contention for an England call-up ahead of Euro 2016.

Defoe, 33, has enjoyed an excellent season with Sunderland to help them avoid Premier League relegation, scoring 15 top-flight goals in 2015-16.

His three goals in Sunderland's last five games, including the winner against Chelsea, helped ensure the Black Cats' Premier League survival.

However, he faces strong competition for a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad, which is due to be announced on Monday, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Leicester City's Jamie Vardy having scored 25 and 24 league goals respectively.

Defoe, who has 55 England caps and 19 goals to his name, said: "I'm happy with the way I've performed this season.

"I've ticked every box. If I don't go, I can say at least I've done everything right."

England begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia on June 11 before taking on Wales and then Slovakia.