Euro 2012 News: England likely to select banned Rooney

Euro 2012 / Michael Lintorn / 18 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Fabio Capello confirmed that he hopes to bring Wayne Rooney to Euro 2012

"Having at one stage been [6.6] to win the competition for the first time, the Three Lions are currently an [11.5] prospect."

Fabio Capello's latest comments about England's preparations for next summer's tournament have been viewed as a strong hint that Wayne Rooney will be in the squad...

England's Euro 2012 odds have drifted out fairly significantly since confirmation that Wayne Rooney will be suspended for all three group games because of his kick at Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic in their final qualifier.

Having at one stage been [6.6] to win the competition for the first time, the Three Lions are currently an [11.5] prospect, a price that indicates only an 8.7% chance of lifting the trophy.

The extent of the striker's punishment has prompted pundits to discuss whether there is a case for leaving him at home. The majority agree that there is room to accomodate someone of Rooney's class, but Fabio Capello's reaction to the situation caused some to wonder if the Italian would be ruthless.

Before the length of his ban had even been announced, the nine-time title winner revealed his plan to drop Rooney from the starting line-up from friendlies to identify a way of playing without him. However, his latest words make it clear that he wants to bring his star man to Poland and Ukraine.

Capello said: "During the games we need some leaders, people that know something. Jack Wilshere is incredible because he is so young. But we also need the experience of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Scott Parker. You need this kind of player, plus Rooney, I hope."

Elsewhere, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has urged Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni to reconsider his stance on their in-form forward Leon Best, whose work-rate the veteran coach controversially criticised recently.

The Boys in Green have a few worries up front heading into their qualification play-off with Estonia, with Robbie Keane injured and Kevin Doyle suspended for the first leg, yet Simon Cox, Shane Long and Jon Walters all appear to be ahead of Best in the pecking order. They are [1.44] to qualify.