Defoe proves he can still be Jermain man

Jermain Defoe scores England's opening goal during the World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania at Wembley

Jermain Defoe proved his poacher's pedigree for England four years and four days after his last international goal, joining Jamie Vardy on the scoresheet in a regulation 2-0 victory over Lithuania.

Defoe made his long-awaited return to the international arena, leading the side out alongside terminally-ill mascot and “best mate” Bradley Lowery, and grabbed his 20th Three Lions goal with a clinical first-half finish.

England did not put the result to bed until the 66th minute, when substitute Vardy made it 2-0 with his first touch of the match.

But a clean sheet left Gareth Southgate’s side as the only team in Europe yet to concede in World Cup qualifying.

Defoe said: “I enjoyed it. It’s been a good week, training’s been bright.

“It’s nice to score but just to win the game was important and we did that.

“It’s hard to put into words how I felt, just to be back and playing with the lads is a great feeling.

“Like I’ve always said, I’ll just get my head down and keep working hard and see what happens.”

Defoe returned to the England team for the first time since November 2013 as Southgate made four changes for his side’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley.

The Sunderland striker has scored 14 Premier League goals this season despite the Black Cats’ plight and replaced Jamie Vardy, who started the 1-0 defeat in Germany.

Michael Keane earned a first competitive cap alongside John Stones as Southgate reverted from three at the back to a flat four, with Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain recalled.