Doubt: The FA expect Defoe to return to the squad in 'due course' although it is not known whether he will now miss the opening game against France

The FA and England manager Roy Hodgson will offer Defoe as much time off as he needs and still view the 29-year-old as a central component of the squad, even though he was unlikely to start against France.

It was Defoe whose goal against Slovenia in the last World Cup propelled England into the knockout phase, although he has been a peripheral figure for much of the European
Championship qualifying campaign after scoring a hat-trick in the win over Bulgaria in September 2010.

With Wayne Rooney suspended, either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll will get the nod against the French, with Ashley Young expected to operate just behind.

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