<b>Vancouver, B.C.</b> - Toronto may be in Vancouver for Canadian Championship action tomorrow night but when it comes to striker Jermain Defoe, it's another tournament that is dominating the discussions around the Englishman right now.
Defoe was left out of England's 23 man World Cup squad that was announced yesterday, with manager Roy Hodgson looking to the future and naming a young roster.
Hodgson named four strikers in the squad, with Defoe and West Ham striker Andy Carroll amongst seven players on standby for any injuries.
"Obviously I was shocked, as you can imagine," Defoe told reporters in Vancouver on Tuesday afternoon. "Especially when you've been involved in every squad and then, for some reason, you're not included. But always remain positive and continue to do what I'm doing."
Much was made of Defoe's World Cup aspirations when he announced that he was heading over the Atlantic to Major League Soccer, but many in England have been blaming the move to MLS as one of the key reasons for his omission.
It's an argument that gets short shrift from Defoe.
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"No, because I've been here two months. Does it really change much? I don't think so," Defoe answered bluntly when asked if he felt making the move had played a part. "I mentioned before the squad was announced, the manager knows most of the players. The fact of me being here two months that shouldn't play a factor at all."
"I've come over here and done exactly what I used to do at home and that's play well and score goals."
Defoe indicated that there hadn't been any real discussions with Hodgson after being left out.
"He said he just wants to go with the young kids, that's it."
The snub is a major disappointment for the 31-year-old striker who has represented England at senior, U21 and youth levels. Defoe was part of England's World Cup squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, scoring in the group game against Slovenia, having been named as one of five players on standby for the 2006 World Cup, alongside the Whitecaps' Nigel Reo-Coker.
But despite not making the trip to Brazil, for now at least, Defoe is adamant that he will not be retiring from international football.
"I'm not going to retire just because someone doesn't put me in a squad. I would never do that. I ain't going to turn my back on my country because I still feel I've got a lot to offer.
"The games I've played and just been involved with the England squad over the years have been great. That's why I never really talk about stuff, you know. Even before I just said we'll see what happens.
"Obviously I want to go to the World Cup and I think my record speaks for itself. I'll just continue to work hard and enjoy my football."
That record is 19 international goals in 55 senior caps for England, the last of which were a brace in the 8-0 win over San Marino in March.
There appears to be no plans for Defoe or any of the other players on standby to fly out to join Hodgson's pre tournament camp in England or Miami. That may still change, but for now, all of the striker's focus is on Toronto.
"At the end of the day, I just want to be here and help the team. Help my club, help the boys to get results. That's my main focus at the minute to be honest. Just to continue playing and doing what I'm doing.
"But obviously I wouldn't like to say. It's still a long way to go and people get injured, but at the same time, if it doesn't happen then it doesn't happen. I wish the team good luck, all the young players that are in the squad.
"I wish them good luck because I've had that experience being at a World Cup and it's the best thing ever. yeah, it's special."
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