Jermain Defoe Leaves Euro 2012 After Death Of His Father, Striker Expected To Return

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Spurs striker returns home from Euro 2012 but Hodgson not expected to call-up replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has flown home from England’s Euro 2012 training base in Krakow following the death of his father.

The forward, who was not expected to start England’s opening group game against France on Monday, is set to rejoin the squad in due course.

But his absence leaves England manager Roy Hodgson short of options up front for the clash with Laurent Blanc’s side. Talisman Wayne Rooney is suspended, leaving Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck as England’s only recognised strikers. Hodgson is likely start with one of the two in front of Manchester United winger Ashley Young.

Defoe impressed in a late substitute appearance in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Belgium on Saturday, hitting the post and seeing a effort fly narrowly wide.

A statement on the Spurs website read: “Everyone at the Club sends their sincere condolences to Jermain and his family.”

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