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Defoe gets behind boss Capello

Jermain Defoe is convinced England would have avoided Germany had he started the tournament © Getty Images

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England striker Jermain Defoe insists coach Fabio Capello has the respect and backing of the squad and that the pressure of expectation, not boredom or fatigue, was the main reason for their World Cup failure.

Capello has come under fire following England's second round exit and all-round poor performance in the tournament, prompting a fiery debate in England as to whether he is the man to blame for not turning a squad of Premier League stars into a coherent international outfit when it mattered most.

"His CV is second to none and he has won titles and trophies with four top European clubs and some fantastic players that way," Defoe told the Mirror. "And I'd like to think, despite what is being said, that he has the respect of the players.

"I am still hearing it asked how so many players could have under-performed under the manager. I take the point of view that it can't be fatigue as the Germans in particular have played more games than us. Maybe its 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."

Defoe said England's fortunes would have been better had he been given more match time, which was limited before he started against Slovenia in the final group game, scoring in the process.

"Personally I wish I could have done more to help the country than just the goal against Slovenia. I remain convinced that had I played in the earlier two games we would have got off to a better start than we did."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.