England's Jermain Defoe leaves for training after arriving back at the Team Hotel in Krakow, Poland. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images

England striker Jermain Defoe is back in Poland after his father’s death

Jermain Defoe is back with the England Euro 2012 football squad after returning to Poland following the death of his father.

The Beckton-born striker is now expected to start on the bench in the Group D opener against France on Monday.

The news is a boost to boss Roy Hodgson, who is without suspended Wayne Rooney for the first two matches of the tournament

The Tottenham striker went back home on Thursday morning after hearing the news.

But he was back in the team hotel this morning and will take part in a closed-doors training session as England prepare for Monday’s match in Donetsk.

Defoe’s father Jimmy, from Forest Gate, passed away after his long fight with throat cancer. It is possible Jermain will return to the UK again for the funeral, once it has been arranged.

It is understood Mr Defoe senior had been ill for some time.

The former decorator lived in a small shared flat in Forest Gate.

Jimmy married Jermain‘s mother Sandra in 1981 but the couple split soon after Jermain was born in 1982.

Jermain, who grew up in Beckton and is currently a supporter of many local charities.

He recently visited his former primary and secondary schools in Newham to meet with youngsters

Jermain published a message of thanks to his well-wishers via his Twitter account on Friday.

He said: “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 and nurses who looked after my dad. Very special people.”