The Sunderland striker does not want any help from his manager to earn himself an England return.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has claimed he would not want manager David Moyes to speak to England boss Gareth Southgate about a potential international return.
Defoe has been in fine form once again this season, with eight goals in the Premier League so far.
Despite that, England have continued to ignore him, with both Sam Allardyce and his successor Southgate electing not to make him a part of their squads.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their second goal
That has confounded some who believe the veteran is more than deserving of a place especially with the likes of Jamie Vardy struggling.
Defoe can’t see himself earning a call-up and says that he wouldn’t want his current boss to try and earn it for him either.
“I almost feel like it doesn’t matter what I do, even if I get the Golden Boot I still don’t think I’d get called up,” he told talkSPORT.
“I don’t really like talking about it. I wouldn’t want the gaffer [Moyes] to have a word [with Southgate] because you get called upon merit, so I’ll just keep letting my football do the talking.”
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their second goal
If Defoe continues to shine this season, then England will have a decision about the striker when the next international break comes along.
They may be well blessed when it comes to forwards but ignoring an inform striker with as much experience as Defoe would be foolish, to say the least.
However, it is easy to see it happening, as Southgate’s work with the England U21’s could see the country’s youngsters finally get their chance to shine and leave Defoe out in the cold.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe applauds fans after the game
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
