Jermain Defoe insists he did not mean to hurt Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Gordon fractured his arm following a clash with Defoe, during the Wearsiders visit to Tottenham earlier this month.

The Scottish goalkeeper has criticised Defoe for his challenge but the England striker insists it was not deliberate.

"It was a funny one, the ball got played through and I thought I could get a toe in - but there was no intention to hurt him," he told Sky Sports News.

"So I talked to Darren Bent, to text him and apologise and I did that - I think he is out for a couple of months so if he is watching I am sorry, he knows that is not my game."

Defoe, meanwhile, admits he was disappointed not to play against Brazil for England at the weekend but does not think it has any bearing on his World Cup chances.

"I think in the games I have played I have got my goals, and so the manager is happy," he said.

"The other day it would have been nice to play, but I understand it was a chance for him to see players who haven't played."