Euro 2012: England striker Defoe returns home due to father's demise

London, June 8(ANI): England striker Jermain Defoe flew back to England today after learning that his father had died after losing his battle with throat cancer.

The Tottenham striker left England's hotel ten minutes before the rest of the squad boarded a coach for their first training session in Poland, having only arrived in the country on Wednesday.

It is believed that England manager Roy Hodgson was aware of the illness affecting Defoe's father, and knew there was a possibility that the player might have to return home to be with family and friends sometime during the tournament.

"Jermain's father had been ill for some time," The Daily Mail quoted FA source, as saying.

"He had been treated for throat cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London for some time so this was not a bolt from the blue for Jermain. He was told the sad news that his father had passed away overnight, and we made plans for him to fly home as soon as possible," the source added.

The source further said: "Jermain is a strong lad and was quite pragmatic about events. Roy Hodgson felt it was right that he flew back immediately to be with his family. He will miss at least two days of training prior to the opening match against France on Monday. Therefore, we do not know if he will play any part in that game." (ANI)