Back in the fold: Defoe making 1st start for England since 2013

It lasted four years and four days, but the wait is over for Jermain Defoe.

The Sunderland striker was named in the starting XI for England's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on Sunday, marking the first time since a March 22, 2013 encounter against lowly San Marino that he will have started a match for the Three Lions.

Defoe, 34, has been in fine scoring form for the Black Cats this season; his return of 14 tallies in 28 matches was enough to convince manager Gareth Southgate to bring him back into the international fold.

The veteran netted twice in the aforementioned clash against San Marino - England, predictably, won the match 8-0 - and will no doubt be hoping to pick up right where he left off four years ago.

Defoe and Co. sit top of their qualifying group on 10 points heading into Sunday's tilt at Wembley, and a victory would inch the 1966 World Cup champion ever closer to a berth in next year's edition of the competition.