Ex-Spurs and West Ham forward Jermain Defoe backed for spot in England’s Euro 2016 squad
Former Tottenham and West Ham marksman Jermain Defoe can fill the void left by Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck should his Euro 2016 aspirations be shattered by a knee injury, according to Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce.
Defoe, 33, has netted 15 of Sunderland’s 43 Premier League goals this term, including Saturday’s winner over Chelsea which, coupled with Newcastle’s draw at Aston Villa, means the relegation-threatened Black Cats are one victory from avoiding the drop.
Welbeck is waiting to learn the severity of the injury he suffered against Manchester City on Sunday and whether it will rule him out of contention for the European Championship. Allardyce, meanwhile,.has no doubts over Defoe’s finishing prowess.
“Has it crossed Roy's mind? I don't know. His [Defoe’s] performances and goals this season may have caused Roy to have a little look at him. He knows how much experience he has got and can do it at that level,” said Allardyce.
“He’s had a big run of games that he has not had for a few years and he has been a consistent performer at the highest level again and scored 18 goals in all competitions.”
Defoe has found the net 19 times in 55 appearances for England, while the last of his caps came as a substitute in the Three Lions’ 2-0 home friendly defeat to Chile in November 2013.