“Massive disappointment” of not playing 2006 World Cup fired Defoe’s England passion

LONDON - England footballer Jermain Defoe has revealed that the humiliation he faced after being sent home from the 2006 World Cup in Germany helped fire his England passion.

Defoe, who scored two goals during England’s game against Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday, said that he had to prove his worth after former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson dumped him.

“Germany was a massive disappointment for me. I was so close, I actually travelled to Germany and had to come home. But, things happen for a reason. Hopefully this time I can play,” The Sun quoted Defoe, as saying.

Defoe had failed to make it into Eriksson’s final World Cup 23 and left without playing a game.

However, this time around he is determined to be England’s main man in Fabio Capello’s team, which is one win away from making it to next year’s finals in South Africa.

“There’s no point moaning about it. You never know when the opportunity might come. I’ve felt sharp all pre-season. I’ve worked really hard and I’ve always believed that when you work hard you get results,” Defoe said.

“It’s up to the manager if I’ve earned a start now. I’ve always said I just want to keep myself in the frame and if it means coming on and trying to make an impact, I’ll do that,” he added. (ANI)