Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe insists England's stuttering start to the World Cup should be put into perspective.

Defoe believes the results of other leading nations means England's struggle should not be a major surprise.

He said: "The games are difficult but I am not surprised because, if you look at the other top nations, they have lost games, the likes of France and Germany.

"Every game is difficult at this level, especially in a World Cup. It's another level.

"I am not making excuses but all the games seem to be difficult for all the countries."