Defoe has scored once in 16 appearances for England

Defoe, the only stand-by player to fly out to Germany, returned home after Sven-Goran Eriksson's first-team squad left for Frankfurt on Friday morning.

Eriksson invited Defoe to stay with the England squad but the striker chose instead to fly home to England.

The 23-year-old had been with the squad for a month but Wayne Rooney's return signalled the end of Defoe's chances.

Interview: Martin Jol on Defoe's absence

But the forward has impressed his England colleagues while on duty in Germany.

Steven Gerrard said: "Jermain has been really professional. He's shown a great attitude.

"We've had good news on Wayne getting the all-clear after the scan but it's a shame for Jermain because he's such a wonderful talent.

Jermain is one of the best strikers in Europe David Beckham

"The players are really sad to see him go but unfortunately the manager can only pick 23 players."

England captain David Beckham was also quick to praise the 23-year-old.

"Jermain is one the best strikers in Europe," said Beckham.

"The goals he scores and the way he has been training, he's been top class. He'll be sadly missed."

Meanwhile, Defoe's club manager, Martin Jol, is standing by his assertion that Eriksson was wrong to include 17-year-old Theo Walcott ahead of Defoe in his final squad.

"I think he has made a mistake," Jol told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Holland, they've got four strikers, Germany have got four strikers and Brazil have got four strikers.

"England have probably only two and an injured Rooney."