Friday 13 May 2016 11:06, UK
Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe says it will 'be a dream' to be included in England's Euro 2016 squad this summer.
The former West Ham and Tottenham forward played a major role in helping Sam Allardyce's side secure their Premier League status with 15 goals in 32 appearances this season.
A serious knee injury to Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has enhanced Defoe's chances of a call-up when Roy Hodgson announces his squad for France on Monday morning.
Defoe is the third-most prolific English striker in the top flight behind Tottenham's Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy of Leicester, who look certain to be named in the 24-man travelling party.
"If I do go, it'll be a dream because it will be my third tournament and playing for England is something that I've always wanted to do," said Defoe, who earned the last of his 55 caps in 2013.
"I'm happy with the way I've performed this season. I've ticked every box and if I don't go then I can say at least I've done everything right."
Along with Welbeck, who suffered the injury in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City, Stoke keeper Jack Butland, Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Manchester United's long-term injury victim Luke Shaw, will miss out on the Championships.
England open up against Russia before taking on Wales and Slovakia in group B of the tournament which gets under way on June 10.
