England's plans for Euro 2012 descended deeper into crisis on Monday night when it emerged Darren Bent looks set to miss the tournament because of an ankle injury.

Already without a full-time manager and a  permanent captain, the national team go to Poland and Ukraine with an alarming shortage of  established strikers.

Wayne Rooney’s suspension for the first two games has left England searching for a replacement and Bent was seen as the  favourite after scoring four goals under former  boss Fabio Capello.

Down and out: Bent has been sidelined for three months with ruptured ankle ligaments

But the 28-year-old ruptured ankle ligaments  during Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw at Wigan on Saturday and will be out for three months.

Bent’s manager, Alex McLeish, was fearful after the striker landed awkwardly following a challenge from Antolin Alcaraz and left the pitch on a stretcher.

The bad news was confirmed on Monday and means Bent will not be available until the end of May at the earliest.

Bent tweeted: 'I'm gutted to be out for so long at such a crucial part of the season, hopefully my recovery will be as quick as possible.'

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