Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is a major doubt for England’s Euro 2012 bid for glory after being ruled out for three months due to an ankle injury.
Bent had been expected to be a key figure for England, who are 9/1 with bookmaker to win the European Championships for the first time in their history.
However, the former Spurs and Sunderland frontman is now highly unlikely to feature for his club again this season, with Villa’s medical staff waiting a further week before deciding whether Bent requires an operation.
Bent’s probable absence gives the as yet unnamed England manager a further problem to deal with, with Wayne Rooney already missing the opening two games of the tournament due to suspension.
The likes of Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and the uncapped Fraizer Campbell will hope to impress in Bent’s absence when England take on the Netherlands at Wembley on Wednesday evening.