Defoe blames failure on level of fans' expectations

Published on Thursday 1 July 2010 10:05

ENGLAND striker Jermain Defoe believes the weight of World Cup expectation took its toll on the squad in South Africa, but insists the players remain behind under-pressure manager Fabio Capello.

The Tottenham frontman and his international colleagues have been widely criticised after Sunday's 4-1 humbling by Germany sealed their last-16 exit from the tournament.

Defoe remains at a loss to explain the poor showing in South Africa but does not think Capello has lost the respect of the players as a result.

The 27-year-old said: "I take the point that it can't be fatigue as the Germans in particular have played more games than us.

"Maybe it's because so many players have taken on so much pressure to live up to expectations that it affected their normal game.

"There was boredom out there. But then players are used to that from being away with their clubs. And that soon went when the games started and we could break up our days by watching them.

"You also have to remember that the strict regime is the way the manager prefers to do things. His CV is second to none and he has won titles and trophies with four top European clubs.

"For me personally, he gave me an opportunity and I'd like to think that I took it in the Slovenia game.

"Every manager has their own different routine before a game. With Mr Capello we'd watch a video of the opposition and we'd go through their strengths and weaknesses.

"And I'd like to think, despite what is being said, that he has the respect of the players."

Defoe, whose winning goal against Slovenia ensured Capello's side progressed from the group stage, also hit back at suggestions the players do not care about playing for their country.

He said: "I can understand the level of anger and frustration that we as England players have returned home to.

"I accept it has been a bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign from a group of players of whom everyone expected so much."

Capello does looks set to survive as England head coach after a groundswell of support among the Football Association hierarchy.

Sir Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman who also heads the new 'Club England,' is now being urged to recommend to the FA board the Italian is kept on despite England's World Cup failure.

It is understood Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development and a key figure in the process, wants Capello kept on for the rest of his contract until 2012.

Brooking's view is that replacing him with another manager will not solve the underlying problem with English football, and a number of FA board and international committee members are also of the same opinion.

At the FA's postmortem of the World Cup, Brooking will argue for a properly-funded, long-term plan to bring through players, starting by increasing the number of coaches at youth level.

For news, reports and video from South Africa, visit scotsman.com/worldcup2010

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