CHERRIES frontman Jermain Defoe insists he will be ready if selected for next month’s World Cup.
The 35-year-old has not played for England since his arrival at Vitality Stadium last summer.
But while stressing he has no plans to announce his international retirement, the experienced striker is eager to be an option for boss Gareth Southgate at Russia 2018.
The Football Association announced Southgate is on Wednesday set to announce his 23-man World Cup squad.
Defoe told ESPN: “I got a letter. All the players that are in contention get a letter to tell you the schedule for the summer.
“I don’t feel like I have anything to prove. I’m quite relaxed about it. The manager knows what I’m about and, if I’m called on, I’m ready to go to another tournament.
“I’ve never really thought about retiring from international football because I still feel sharp, I still feel in my heart I can score goals at that level.”
Defoe, who has 57 senior caps, most recently featured for the Three Lions in June last year.
He came off the bench during the 2-2 draw against Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
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