LONDON, June 11: Jermaine Defoe admits he cannot understand why Sven-Goran Eriksson decided to release him from England's World Cup squad.

Tottenham striker Defoe, 23, had travelled to Germany as cover for Wayne Rooney, but Eriksson told him he had to go home when the Manchester United star was declared fit after scans on his broken toe last week.

Defoe was originally named on Eriksson's list of stand-by players and he insists he should have remained with the squad because, unlike Rooney, he is in peak condition.

He told the News of the World: “I don't know why I'm not out there. It's a strange decision and everybody I speak to thinks so as well.

“I have never felt fitter and sharper than I was in training and believe I could have scored goals in the tournament.

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

Defoe couldn't wait to leave the England camp once Eriksson gave him the bad news, but he believes the players' spirit gives them a great chance of success in Germany.

He added: “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. There is a great spirit among the boys. They think they can do it this time and I am sorry not to be a part of it all.”—AFP