Defoe can go to Russia

England manager Gareth Southgate has said that veteran striker Jermaine Defoe has every chance of being part of the England squad at next year's FIFA World Cup in Russia. 

Defoe scored on his return to the England team in their 2-0 victory over Lithuania on Sunday, his first appearance for the national side since 2013. At the age of 34, some have questioned whether or not Defoe will be too old by the time the World Cup comes around, however manager Gareth Southgate thinks differently. "If he's scoring goals in the Premier League and playing as well as he is this season, there's no reason why he couldn't go" says Southgate, which as a result may worry Sunderland fans. 

Sunderland currently sit bottom of the Premier League, with relegation creeping up on them. Defoe has been a key member of their team this campaign, scoring the vast majority of their goals in the Premier League. With Defoe back in the England squad, he will be desperate to stay there, which would more than likely see him leave the Stadium of Light should the Black Cats be relegated. 

Defoe's former club West Ham United are amongst the teams that are interested in signing the poacher, who despite being in the autumn of his career, is still a constant goal threat in any team that he plays for.