Fans entitled to boo woeful team - Defoe

Jermain Defoe has distanced himself from team-mate Wayne Rooney's angry reaction to the jeers England received from their own fans after their goalless draw with Algeria.

Rooney was scathing about the fans' response to a result which has left England needing to beat Slovenia in their final group match to be sure of progressing to the knockout stages, saying: "It's nice to see your home fans booing you."

But Defoe said players had to accept the fans' right to complain.

"I think it is part and parcel of playing at this level," he said.

"You can understand fans getting frustrated and obviously they have travelled miles to come and support the team. But I think it's important for the fans to stay behind us because the lads are devastated we didn't win.

"We want to do it for everyone back home, for our families, the boys, the manager and everyone.

"It's not nice to get booed, to be honest, especially when you try your best and it's difficult out there."

Defoe, who came on as a second-half substitute for Emile Heskey but made no more impression than his team-mate, said England could still have a good tournament.

"Everyone is frustrated but we've got players who have been there and done it before, playing in major tournaments," he said.

"We're a great side."