England striker Jermain Defoe believes the weight of World Cup expectation took its toll on the squad in South Africa, but insists the players remain behind under-pressure manager Fabio Capello.

The Tottenham frontman and his international colleagues have been widely criticised after Sunday's 4-1 humbling by Germany sealed their last-16 exit from the tournament but does not think Capello has lost the respect of the players as a result.

The 27-year-old told the Daily Mirror: "I take the point that it can't be fatigue as the Germans in particular have played more games than us. Maybe it's because so many players have taken on so much pressure to live up to expectations that it affected their normal game."