Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has claimed that he did everything that he could do to put himself back in contention for an England spot at Euro 2016.

The forward scored 15 goals to help the Black Cats retain their Premier League status, but was not named in Roy Hodgson's 26-man provisional squad for the European Championships.

"Obviously I've not been involved with England for quite a while and I've always thought that getting into an England squad before a tournament is based on merit," Defoe told Sky Sports News. "As a forward if you score goals then you've got a chance of going.

"Towards the end of the season I started thinking about it but before I wasn't. I was so focused on trying to help Sunderland stay in the Premier League. It's only when you see things in the papers and people start talking about it - just mentioning my name about maybe getting into the squad - then I started thinking about it. So obviously, when you're not in the squad, it's a disappointment.

"I just feel like I've done everything that I could do. I'm delighted that Sunderland stayed up and on a personal note, I'm delighted with the amount of goals that I've scored. That's all I could do really."

Defoe, who has earned 55 caps for England, last played for the Three Lions in 2013.