Jermain Defoe is delighted to be back in the international fold and the Sunderland striker insists he never gave up on an England recall.
The 34-year-old has netted 14 goals in 31 appearances [all competitions] for the struggling Black Cats this season and he was rewarded for his form with a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad.
The Three Lions will face Germany in a friendly on Wednesday before hosting Lithuania for a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Defoe, who made the last of his 55 appearances for England in 2013, said at a press conference: "I've always known how important it is to play for England from day one.