Jermain Defoe Jermain Defoe has reflected on his omission from the England World Cup squad and vowed to use the experience to lift his level of performance this season.

He said: “I had to leave the rest of the players behind and it was soul destroying,”

“You could imagine how I felt having been part of the squad for two years.

“You get disappointments in your career and that was a big one but sometimes it can make you stronger because you want to go out and show people they were wrong.

On today’s game he added: “I’ve been waiting a long time to get my chance to do that.

“Before the game all my mates were telling me to make sure we won and make sure I scored.”

“I’m happy to be part of this time. A lot of people have been saying good things about me and that has helped me to keep going,”

“I feel part of the England squad again now.

“You could see from the way the other players responded to my goals that they were pleased for me as well.”