New Toronto hit man believes he can make it to Brazil.
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New Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe was presented to the media on Monday and insisted that he could still play a part of England’s World Cup campaign later this summer, according to Sky Sports.
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The 31-year-old completed his move to the MLS franchise this week and told the press that a regular run of games would see him into Roy Hodgson’s plans for the showpiece tournament in June.
“I have to be honest, I did think about my chances of going to the World Cup,” said Defoe, who won his 55th England cap in the friendly defeat against Chile in November.
“It’s always important to play for your club and having played in a World Cup before, it’s just a dream come through. That’s why you play football.
“It did cross my mind, but at the same time I believe the MLS is going to be fantastic for me. And it’s important for me to be playing.
“To get into any World Cup or European Championship squad, it’s based on merit. You’ve got to be fit, to play well.
“The most important thing for me is to be playing football, scoring goals and do well for the team.
“Hopefully I can be on the plane. I’ve played in the Premier League during my whole career and scored a lot of goals.
“I think at the age of 31, I would like to think that the England manager – and everyone in England – knows what I can do, what I bring to the team. If selected I’ll be ready.”
Defoe admitted that it was a hard decision to leave Spurs to cross the Atlantic, but insisted that he wanted to make the move whilst he was still in his prime.
“It was important that I still felt sharp and strong,” he said. “I wanted to come here knowing that I’m willing to give something, and not for the wrong reasons.
“I want to come here, win trophies and do my best for the club.”
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