Jol shocked by Defoe omission

Monday, 08, May 2006 10:21

Tottenham manager Martin Jol has admitted he is shocked that striker Jermain Defoe has not been selected as part of England's World Cup squad.

The striker has been named as one of five back-up players, while England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has chosen to name only four forwards in the provisional squad.

However, with injury doubts continuing to linger over regular strike duo Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, the Dutchman expects Defoe to get his chance in Germany.

"I think it is amazing that Jermain is not in the squad," Jol said. "But with the situation with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen's fitness I still believe he will be in there."

Another surprise exclusion for many was Charlton striker Darren Bent.

The former Ipswich Town player was the leading English goalscorer in the Premiership this season with 18 goals but he was not even named as one of the back-up players.

The Charlton man admitted that he was very disappointed not to be in the squad and that he would now look to recuperate ahead of next season.

"I am obviously really disappointed as I wasn't taking anything for granted but I was very hopeful of being included," Bent told his agent's website.

"All I can do now is go away on holiday and recharge my batteries."

There was also disappointment for Tottenham midfielder Edgar Davids, who was not named as part of the Holland preliminary World Cup squad.

Dutch coach Marco van Basten had included Davids in his original 33-man selection but he has been cut, along with Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma and four others.

Ajax defender Johnny Heitinga, who was not in the 33, has been added to the squad, which will have to be cut to 23 by next week.