Striker Defoe scored nine goals for Spurs last season

The Tottenham striker was named on England's standby list but was not included in the final 23-man squad after Wayne Rooney's return to fitness.

"I don't know why I'm not out there," Defoe, 23, told the News of the World.

"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 has scored one goal in 16 international appearances - which include 12 outings as a substitute.

He added: "I have never felt fitter and sharper than I was in training and believe I could have scored goals in the tournament.

"It's a strange decision and everybody I speak to thinks so as well."

Once I had made up my mind it did not take me long to get myself on the first available plane Jermain Defoe

Eriksson invited the former West Ham forward to remain with the World Cup squad throughout the tournament but Defoe opted to make his way back to England.

He said: "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."

Defoe had spent a month training with the squad in Germany, while England continued to sweat on the fitness of Rooney, who broke a bone in his foot in April.

But following positive news of the Manchester United striker's scan on 7 June, Eriksson decided to stand by his original squad - meaning there would be no place for Defoe.