Jermain Defoe has had an instant impact on the England squad on his returnReuters
And, despite the Sunderland star approaching 36 when the tournament starts in June 2018, he could get another chance on the biggest stage.
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With Wayne Rooney axed – despite being younger than Defoe – there is room in the squad for an experienced forward to help the likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.
And Southgate has revealed the evergreen goal-machine could be the wildcard pick for squad.
He said: “I think we’ve got to look every time we get together as to who is in form.
“I don’t know if we can have a distinct pecking order because players who are playing well deserve the opportunity.
The Sunderland star grabbed the opening goal at Wembley on SundayNews Group Newspapers LtdThe experienced forward is also helping the younger players in the squadReuters
“If we are going to be successful we have to have that competition for places.
“The reality is we will always lose players to injury.
“We're never able to pick a full cohort, so it's important we can call upon the likes of Jermain and he can have the impact he does like he did today.
"If he scores like he is in the Premier League, there's no reason why he wouldn't be. I would have put my house on him scoring at some stage today.
“He's had a really positive impact on everybody.”
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It was four years since Defoe last scored for the Three Lions but he settled back in perfectlyEPAThe forward is banging Premier League goals in for Sunderland and carried that into international footballReuters
Jamie Vardy was a second-half sub and scored with his first touch of the game just six minutes after his introduction.
The Foxes striker has rediscovered his form since the Premier League champions changed their manager but Southgate wanted to keep the focus on golden oldie Defoe.
He said: "I'm pleased for the two lads who have got the goals, a great story for Jermain and I felt Jamie added something to us.
"I think the bigger picture for us is Defoe’s contribution throughout the camp, I thought he added to that and his experience around everyone is important."
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