Euro 2012: Defoe Set to Return to England Camp

Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe is expected to rejoin the England squad on Saturday following the death of his father.

The Tottenham striker returned home from the team's Euro 2012 training base in Krakow following the sudden death of his father on Wednesday, reports the BBC.

Defoe is likely to be named among the substitutes for England's opening game against France in Donetsk on Monday.

"I want to thank the fans, my family, friends, the England boys, the FA and manager for their support," Defoe said.

"I can't tell you how much it means to me. I love you all, may God bless you. A special thank you to Royal Marsden's doctors & nurses who looked after my dad. Very special people."

Wayne Rooney is banned for the first two games, while fellow strikers Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll are also in the squad.

Defoe appeared as a late substitute in England's final warm-up match, hitting the post in a 1-0 victory over Belgium at Wembley on Saturday.

It is not certain when he will return to the squad but he was not expected to start in any case against France.

Defoe made his 47th England appearance last weekend, a record 30 of which have been as a substitute, and he has scored 15 goals for his country.

He also spent much of last season on the bench at Spurs, with 17 of his 38 appearances as a substitute, but scored 17 goals.

Following news of his return home, a Spurs statement read: "Everyone at the club sends their sincere condolences to Jermain and his family."