Jermain Defoe admits he may have to leave Sunderland if they are relegated to boost England hopes

Jermain Defoe admits he may have to leave Sunderland if they are relegated Credit: PA

Jermain Defoe has hinted he may have to leave Sunderland if they are relegated if he wants to keeps his England hopes alive.

The striker has been recalled to the Three Lions for the first time since 2013after scoring 14 Premier League goals this season, despite the Black Catsbattling relegation.

Defoe could feature in Wednesday's friendly in Germany ahead of Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley.

He wants to make Gareth Southgate's squad for next year's tournament in Russia - should England qualify - but conceded that would be in doubt if Sunderland were relegated.

Defoe, who has scored 19 goals in 55 games for England said: "You have to be realistic, to get into any squad is based on merit and to do that you have to be playing at the top level."

Jermain Defoe won his last England cap against Chile in 2013 Credit: PA

Defoe's last cap came against Chile in November 2013 but he said he never gave up hope of representing his country again and revealed he still has the England flag on his boots - which he said his Sunderland teammates 'give him stick' about.

He added: "I was hoping one day I'll get the opportunity and it's come so I'm delighted.

"On a personal note if I'm feeling sharp I believe I can score goals. In thisteam I believe there will be a lot of chances to score goals. Nothing changes, if you get a chance you have to score. Simple as that."