England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

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Defoe puzzled by omission

11 Jun 2006 - 10:37:24

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Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe admits that he is baffled that he is not part of England's 23-man squad at the World Cup finals.

The 23-year-old was called up as standby for Wayne Rooney, but allowed to return home after the Manchester United ace was cleared for action.

However, Defoe is far from happy with the situation, having lost out to Arsenal teenager Theo Walcott for a finals spot.

He told The News of the World: "I don't know why I'm not out there.

"I've been involved in every squad for the last two years and feel I've played a part in helping us to qualify.

"I have never felt fitter and sharper than I was in training and believe I could have scored goals in the tournament. It's a strange decision and everybody I speak to thinks so as well.

"I decided to leave straight away, come home, have a break and prepare myself for the new season.

"Once I had made up my mind it did not take me long to get myself on the first available plane."