England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that Jermain Defoe can still be part of his World Cup squad despite recently signing a contract with Toronto FC.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker will join the MLS club at the end of the month after sealing a switch during the January transfer window.

While it had been suggested that the 31-year-old would be frozen out of the England setup because of a move away from the Premier League, Hodgson has revealed that he is still in his thoughts.

When asked if Defoe's chances of being named in the squad were now gone, Hodgson told Sky Sports News: "No. I know Jermain Defoe, I know what he can do, and we'll pick him on those merits."

Meanwhile, Hodgson has once again ruled out a return for former captain John Terry.