Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is frustrated he is missing England's next two World cup qualifiers but understands it is a good idea to rest so he come back and perform well for both club and country.

The in-form striker is currently out of action with dislocated fingers and a broken hand and will miss England's matches against Ukraine and Belarus this week but insists he is happy to rest so he can return to action as soon as possible.

"Since pre-season I've felt sharp and things have gone my way both at club level and international level, so I can't really complain," Defoe said.

"I can have a rest, get myself focused and make sure that in my next game for the club I'm really firing again."

After the international break, Tottenham take on Defoe's former club Portsmouth at Fratton Park on October 17.