The Sunderland striker has five goals to his name this season.
Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has insisted to the Chronicle that his focus is solely on his club and not an England return.
The striker was in sensational form for the Black Cats last season with his 15 goals in the Premier League almost single-handedly keeping them in the division.
There were strong calls for him to be included in England’s squad for Euro 2016 as a result but ultimately Roy Hodgson elected to take youngster Marcus Rashford ahead of him.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
He has started this campaign in equally strong form, with five goals to his name so far despite his side’s struggles.
The suggestions he should make a return for England have resurfaced but he insists his focus is solely on helping Sunderland turn things around.
“I just want to focus on my club. I would never turn my back on England, I love playing for my country,” he told the Chronicle.
“First and foremost I want to play football for my club, score goals and help the team and hopefully we can get that first win.”
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their second goal
Sunderland will certainly be hoping that Defoe’s focus is firmly on his club as they look to bounce back from a disastrous start to the season.
They have gone without a win in their first ten games so far, the worst start by a team in the history of the Premier League.
That leaves them sitting bottom of the table and already eight points from safety and they will need another goal-laden campaign from their veteran striker to ensure they avoid relegation again.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their first goal
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