Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has opted not to bring in additional cover for Lennon.
However, with Rio Ferdinand virtually certain to sit out next Friday's World Cup qualifier in San Marino to ensure he is fit for the crucial encounter with Montenegro in Podgorica four days later, Lescott has been drafted in as Dawson's replacement.
The 30-year-old has struggled to make an impact at City this season. He did start last weekend's FA Cup win over Barnsley but was an unused substitute for Saturday's defeat at former club Everton.
England are due to report for duty at St George's Park on Monday evening when any further fitness concerns will be addressed given Sir Alex Ferguson has already given assurances Ferdinand will be there.
Lennon was omitted from the Spurs squad that lost to Fulham on Sunday after he suffered hamstring and groin injuries during Thursday night's defeat to Inter Milan.
Dawson, meanwhile, had to come off at half-time during the defeat to Fulham.
"Lennon won't be able to make it," Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas said.
"He has been struggling a lot with injuries. We risked him the other day against Inter Milan and he is on the brink of rupturing his muscle so we have decided to take him out of this game. He has groin and hamstring (injuries).
"Michael felt his (hamstring) muscle going in the first half.
"If we had brought him on in the second half we would be risking him a major injury."
The news is a cruel blow for Dawson, who would have probably started Friday's game in San Marino.
The former Nottingham Forest defender was made available for transfer at the start of the season, but he has since forced his way back in to the Tottenham team with a series of fine displays.
The 29-year-old, who has four international caps, has not played for his country since the 2-0 win in Wales two years ago.
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