Jermain Defoe: Give it a rest Franz, we're not tired

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The vice-president of the German Football Federation claimed England looked tired in recent matches and even branded them "stupid" for failing to top Group C.

But Defoe insists his team-mates are eager to face Germany and will be fully rested for Sunday's last-16 showdown in Bloemfontein.

"I don't feel tired," he said. "The Premier League is one of the toughest leagues to play in. There are a lot of games, particularly the lads who play in Europe. Then you have the cup games as well but if you prepare right then it shouldn't be a problem.

"If you speak to any of the players, they feel fresh. With the facilities we have got - the pool, the gym and the masseurs, the preparation is spot on for every game.

"Everyone has their opinion. You are never going to get a situation where everyone says nice things about you all the time. That is part and parcel of playing at the top level, I suppose. It is important to think about ourselves, focus and not to get sidetracked. We have to keep it going.

"Germany always play well in tournaments - they look bright and sharp with a few players who have come up from the Under-21s with a point to prove. They have got good movement and are really organised, which makes them difficult to play against. I am looking forward to it because these are the game you want to play in."

Although England edged a tight affair to win 1-0 in Euro 2000, their two previous meetings in tournament football ended in penalty shoot-out victories for the Germans. And Defoe revealed Fabio Capello has his team well prepared should that fate befall them again.

"Every day since our pre-World Cup camp in Austria we have practised penalties," said the Tottenham striker, who scored the winning goal in England's 1-0 win over Slovenia yesterday.

"We know in a tournament it might come down to that. But we have practised and it's been really good. They are going in in training but I hope it doesn't go that far and we can win it in 90 minutes."