What’s Hot and What’s Not from England’s international break

HOT – Jermain Defoe and Michael Keane

Many England stars performed well over the last week or so – Adam Lallana was brilliant in both games and Dele Alli looked sharp against Germany – but Jermain Defoe and Michael Keane deserve the recognition.

34-year-old Defoe made his first appearance for his country since November 2013 against Lithuania on Sunday, and proved that he hasn’t lost his predatory nature by stabbing home Raheem Sterling’s cross to give Southgate’s men a first half lead.

He continued to get into good areas and had another effort well saved as England pressed for a second, before the Sunderland man received a standing ovation when substituted on the hour mark.

And if Defoe isn’t necessarily the future, Burnley’s Keane certainly is.

The 24-year-old seamlessly slotted into Southgate’s back three against Germany, producing several key blocks and interceptions to demonstrate his adeptness on the big stage, and was only denied an impressive clean sheet by a moment of brilliance from Podolski.

But the former Manchester United defender did get his clean sheet, albeit against inferior opposition, on Sunday, where he once again looked calm and composed, and appeared to strike up a decent understanding alongside John Stones.

Both Defoe and Keane deserve immense credit for their efforts over the last week or so, and more impressive displays for their clubs between now and May could see both men in the squad for the June qualifiers.