England team leaked: Jermain Defoe set for shock return to starting XI

Defoe, 34, was handed an unlikely chance to impress when a spate of injuries to key players - with Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge both sidelined - saw him recalled in Gareth Southgate’s first squad as permanent manager.

The Sunderland striker did not make an appearance in the 1-0 defeat to Germany in midweek but Jamie Vardy, who did feature centrally in Southgate’s 3-4-3 formation, is set to be dropped for the more significant match, against Lithuania at Wembley.

Vardy was reported to have suffered a knock but the Sunday Mirror reports the Leicester striker has simply been dropped to accommodate poacher Defoe in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Defoe will make his first appearance for England in four years as he attempts to add to his 19 goals in 55 caps. Southgate said in his press conference this week:

The other big news sees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain come into the starting XI in place of Jake Livermore. The Arsenal star will play in a deeper central role alongside Eric Dier.

In defence, injuries to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones mean the path is clear for John Stones to come back into the team alongside Michael Keane, who made his debut against Germany and acquitted himself well.

Joe Hart captains the team in goal.