Who could possibly say what his mental condition and emotional capacity will be, but England striker Jermaine Defoe is expected back in the Ukraine today ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2012 group play opener.
That’s according to England spokesman Mark Whittle, who said that Defoe would be available for selection in Monday’s Group D match against France in Donetsk.
Defoe returned to England late last week following his father’s death. The Tottenham striker has 47 England appearances and helps provide valuable cover at the position; first-choice frontrunner Wayne Rooney is suspended for the Three Lions’ first two matches.
Defoe also issued this statement through the English FA:
“I want to thank the fans, my family, friends, the England boys, the FA and manager for their support. 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.”
ProSoccerTalk is doing its best to keep you up to date on what’s going on in Poland and Ukraine. Check out the site’s Euro 2012 page and look at the site’s previews, predictions, and coverage of all the events defining UEFA’s championship.
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