Jermain Defoe insists England are a "great team" despite last night's 0-0 draw with Algeria.

The Tottenham striker showed boundless optimism ahead of Wednesday's showdown with Slovenia.

He told BBC Five Live: "We're a great team regardless of what anyone says about this game.

"Look around the dressing room, it's a good mix. There is youth and lads who have done it.

"We've got to stick together, that is the key."

In response to Fabio Capello's assertion England's spirit was affected, Defoe added: "Sometimes it is difficult. We've got to keep working hard.

"The lads are great, everyone wants to win, everyone wanted to win tonight. No games are easy - we've seen that in the other games.

"I'm not trying to make excuses. They played well, they passed the ball well.

"We worked hard and with a little bit more luck we would have scored."

As for the fans' reactions, Defoe went on: "We can understand their frustration, they have travelled thousands of miles to support the boys.

"It's important for the fans to stick behind us, go out there and try our best.

"To keep supporting us and hopefully we will put things right on Wednesday."